Entering this past weekend, Robert Morris had not lost a home game dating back to last season, when it dropped a contest in the ACHA Tournament.
But the Bobcats put an end to that streak this weekend with a sweep.
Ohio (25-7-2) took both games against No. 2 Robert Morris and claimed sole possession of first place in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League.
Perhaps most impressive about the respective 5-4 and 3-2 wins was that the Bobcats rallied from a pair of two-goal deficits, showcasing a never-quit mentality.
“We were behind both games and showed great composure and confidence as a team,” coach Jonathon Sheridan said. “The guys stuck to what we do best and believed we would win these games.”
In game one, the Bobcats hit a bump early on, as goaltender Aaron Alkema was forced to leave the game because of injury, which paved the way for backup netminder, freshman Ryan Heltion, to turn in a spectacular series performance.
Alkema’s condition is listed as day-to-day.
Heltion turned aside 40 of 45 total Robert Morris shots in the series and was able to come off the bench in a big-game situation to help Ohio to victory. His record is now 7-3 and he owns a solid 2.33 goals against average.
“Heltion was great for us. He came up huge when he needed to,” Sheridan said. “The kid loves pressure and wants the game on his shoulders. I would say for most people that situation would be very difficult, for him though, I wouldn’t expect anything else.”
Paul Sergi helped lead the way for Ohio in game one — he finished the night with two goals, including the game-winner in the third period. Logan Pfeffer also continued his stellar play when he registered a goal on Friday.
Although game one marked the end of Robert Morris’ home winning streak, game two came as even more of a shock.
The Eagles were ahead 2-0 until the end of the second period, when the Bobcats’ Joe Breslin cut the game in half. Then, in the third period, Bobcats center Matt Hartman silenced Edge Ice Arena with a shorthanded tally, forcing overtime and eventually a shootout, where Ohio would steal the 3-2 victory.
The sweep against the talented Eagles squad should do nothing but benefit the Bobcats, as they are preparing for the postseason.
“I think this weekend will pay off huge for us going into leagues and the national tournament,” Sheridan said. “It is important to get the first day off for the CSCHL playoffs. That’s what we ensured ourselves.”
But focusing on what’s next — facing Kent State this upcoming weekend — is still Ohio’s top priority.
“It’s nice to be regular season champs, but that isn’t what we are in it for,” Sheridan said. “Knocking off a team of their caliber twice in a weekend is huge. (Robert Morris) is a great team. But it’s behind us now and we are setting our eyes on Kent State.”
@kelsey_surmacz4
ks363012@ohiou.edu
This article appeared in print under the headline "Ohio climbs to first in CSCHL with sweep"
