Oftentimes when a team is racking up wins, its members say that the secret to their success can be found by looking beyond the stats sheet. In Ohio’s case, however, the postgame printouts do provide a glimpse of what has propelled the Bobcats to a 23-7-2 record this season.
That particular stat is called “goal differential,” and is measured by subtracting the total number of goals a team allows from the number it scores. With 32 games to date, Ohio is thriving at a staggering plus-71 differential.
The differential, which is second to only Central States Collegiate Hockey League-leading Robert Morris in conference play, is even a surprise to Ohio coach Jonathon Sheridan.
“Wow, I didn’t know that,” Sheridan said. “I am a very defensive-minded person when it comes to the game of hockey. I want our guys taking care of our end first and the offense will follow.”
Although the consistent success Ohio is enjoying cannot be credited solely to one player or goalie, there is one Bobcat defenseman who is making a sizable impact that’s hard not to notice.
Junior Mike Kretz has led the Bobcats’ defensive corps with 19 points this season and is also one of the leading point-producing blueliners in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
That said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Kretz considers himself an offensive defenseman.
“I guess I could say I’m more of an offensive defenseman now than I ever have been,” he said. “But I know my limitations, and I try to be smart about picking when to be offensive and when not to.”
It also doesn’t hurt to have a reliable defensive partner, who in Kretz’s case is senior Jonathan Gulch.
“I am happy to be playing with him because he is one of the best defensemen in the ACHA,” Kretz said. “He is strong both offensively and defensively. Also, he is a couple years older than me and knows the game well, so he always helps me out with advice if I make a mistake in a game.”
Sheridan said that Gulch’s experience has rubbed off on Kretz and has helped form him into a player who “leads by example.”
“‘Kretzy’ is the kind of guy that you never really have to worry about,” Sheridan said. “He knows what to do and makes the right choices both on and off the ice. He is a very coachable kid that isn’t afraid of a little criticism.”
Although there are 12 freshmen on a roster composed of 31 players, there are several returning players such as Kretz, namely on the blue line, that bring a bit of seasoning to the young squad.
“I think experience plays a large role in my success because I am a lot more confident with the puck and my decision making,” Kretz said. “I think our experience on defense is a big part of our success. We are starting to play the majority of our games in the offensive zone instead of our own because our experienced defensemen are making the right plays.”
He added, “This year’s team is different than the past because we have four skilled lines that can score. I think from top to bottom our team is deeper than it has been in the past.”
Judging by the Bobcats’ goal differential, those four lines can score — a lot.
@kelsey_surmacz
ks363012@ohiou.edu
