After a crushing loss in the 2016-17 American Collegiate Hockey Association championship game, Ohio was forced to overcome the loss over the off-season and away from the ice.
The Bobcats will finally return to the ice, though, for its annual split-squad Green vs. White preseason game on Friday.
While the opponent will just be themselves, the game will still provide Ohio a boost looking toward the future and, although difficult, forgetting the past.
"Last year was a bummer," team captain Jake Faiella said. "Right after the season, everybody just took some time off and got their heads right. Through the off-season, guys have been texting each other, 'I can't wait for the season.' We've been skating and working out so I think we're really prepared."
The game will also provide coach Sean Hogan a look at the abilities of his team at game-speed and offer the fourth-year coach a chance to mix and match with line combinations, a task he plans to frequently use with the forwards.
"I think we're really deep at all the forward positions, and I think this year the lines will change more than usual," Hogan said. "In years past, we didn't have to change them that much, but this year we'll change them."
Hogan will also look to see how his team, which has eight first-year players, has grasped the lineup of plays.
"I'm glad that we do this (game) because it gives us a chance for our guys to play at game speed," Hogan said. "From the coaches side of it, I want to make sure some of the systems we've implemented in this first week (of practice) are starting to take structure."
Despite some new faces in the locker room, Faiella isn't concerned about the team regressing from last year's form at all. Even though the group is just five practices in, the senior has already placed this year's Bobcats among his favorite teams.
"Our team chemistry yet again is still one of the best I've ever had," Faiella said. "The team looks great, honestly. I think this is one of the most talented teams I've actually ever played on."
