The Bobcats have almost achieved one of their preseason goals.
This weekend's series at eighth-ranked Michigan-Dearborn (20-8-0, 11-3 in Central States Collegiate Hockey League) is just one more step closer to the CSCHL title.
There are only four CSCHL games left on the schedule. If the 'Cats (21-5-1, 14-1 CSCHL) win out, they will claim the regular season title for the third year in a row.
It is a team goal at the start of the season
said coach Dan Morris. We know the fate. Our fate is in our hands and the easiest thing to do to achieve that goal is to win.
Ohio currently is ranked second in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The seventh ranking of the season will be announced today.
It is unclear on where the Bobcats will be ranked. They recently swept current No. 1 Illinois in Bird Arena. The Fighting Illini went to Penn State last weekend where they were swept again.
Because Ohio lost to unranked Kent State last weekend, Ohio will not be assured the No. 1 ranking. The top ranking could go to Ohio, Rhode Island or Penn State.
Defenseman John Yasak expects the Bobcats to be No. 1. He said that this is one of the best teams he as ever played on in terms of talent and team chemistry.
The rankings are really important (to the players) Yasak said. We know what it is in our locker room. As the year goes along it becomes more and more important.
According to Morris and Yasak, the most important ranking is the last ranking. The top 16 ranked teams make the ACHA tournament. The higher Ohio is, the lower-ranked their first opponent will be.
Every game is important
Yasak said. We need to play as a team
not as individuals. If everything keeps coming together then in the end we'll be the best.
Morris expects a series that will test his team because if the Wolves sweep they will be in contention for the league title.
We don't want a scenario where we come back with two losses
Morris said. They (Michigan-Dearborn) play great hockey. They gear up and play their best hockey at the right time of the year.
Like Morris, Yasak expects a good series from the Wolves. Yasak recalled the last time Ohio faced Michigan-Dearborn in last season's ACHA tournament second round.
I expect it is going to be a tough series
Yasak said. We only beat them 2-0
and I think one of our goals was with an empty net. They are a tough team that gets better as the year goes along.
Going into the weekend, the Bobcats have been 12-2-1 outside of Bird Arena. The two losses were Penn State and Lindenwood.
The puck drops at 7:30 tonight and Saturday night.
- Corey Ryan
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