Ohio will begin its quest for a national title on Friday as they welcome John Carroll to Bird Arena for a two-game set.
Ohio defeated John Carroll by scores of 9-1 and 5-3 when the teams met last season, though the Blue Streaks finished second in the College Hockey Mid-America Conference with 59 points.
The Bobcats finished first in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League with 88 points.
“I mean we played them last year and beat them pretty good but we don’t worry so much about what they’re doing,” senior forward Brett Agnew said. “We’re just worried about ourselves. We’ll see how the first period goes and make adjustments from there.”
The team has fine-tuned aspects of the game in recent practices, senior goalie Ian Smith said.
“We’ve been going over what our plan is for breakouts, fore-checking, the penalty kill and power play,” Smith said. “I think we’re well prepared for them.
Last year, we did pretty well when we played them so I think we’ll be alright.”
The Bobcats have been adjusting to the new style of play installed by first-year head coach Jonathon Sheridan.
“People just have to get used to it,” Smith said. “We had Mo for the past couple years. It’s definitely going to pick up once it gets through to everyone.”
An increased level of focus has been evident in the practices leading up to this weekend, freshman defenseman Graham Harwood said.
“Everybody has pushed each other to do their best, whether you’re going to be in the lineup or you’re going to be one of the kids just helping everyone prepare for the weekend,” Harwood said.
Harwood is excited to lace-up in his first game as a member of the Bobcats.
“I’m just looking to step up and do what the team needs me to do,” Harwood said.
He isn’t the only freshman ready to make an impact, as Agnew has been playing on a line with a pair of promising freshmen as well.
Patrick Spellacy and Joe Breslin, both freshman forwards that are taller than 6-foot-3, have been skating with Agnew during recent practices.
“Both are big guys, big and fast,” Agnew said. “We’re making good plays right now so it’s been fun playing with them so far.”
Agnew added that there are numerous freshmen that could be top players for the team this season, including goalies.
The competition for the starting goalie spot has been one of the more tightly contested so far.
“I feel like any one of us has a really good chance to play this weekend,” Smith said. “We all seem to be about the same level right now. I guess that’s just up in the air.”
No matter what the line combinations are — or who’s starting in goal — the team is expecting greatness from the onset.
“All the returning guys expect nothing less than a league championship and definitely contending for a national championship,” Harwood said. “So two wins, absolutely that’s the goal (this weekend).”
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