After losing 10 seniors from last season, Ohio needed strong starts from its new freshmen and some replicated performances from last year's stars to fill the gap.
The formula was present in each of Ohio's opening-weekend games against John Carroll as the Bobcats completed the sweep of the Blue Streaks with a 9-3 win Saturday night at Bird Arena.
"I thought our work ethic was great," coach Sean Hogan said. "The way our team works together is really good and that will be important going forward."
Koster earns first win as a Bobcat
Mason Koster didn't know he would get his first start as goalie with Ohio until just hours before the game.
Freshmen Kyle Craddick and Zach Frank, Koster's roommates, saw Saturday's starting lineup before Koster could and broke the news to the native of Charlotte, Vermont, shortly before the trio headed to the rink.
But rather than getting caught up in the nerves, Koster arrived at Bird Arena with his mind set on getting his first victory as a Bobcat.
"It felt great," Koster said on getting the call. "I thought it was a well-earned and deserved opportunity, and I took advantage of it well and got the win."
Koster allowed three goals on 22 shots on goal from John Carroll.
"I thought he played well," Hogan said. "First time playing in front of a big crowd like that and I thought he did a great job."
Evangelisti's big weekend
Gianni Evangelisti jumped onto the scene quickly last year for the Bobcats.
As a freshman, Evangelisti finished third on the team with 32 points and led the team with a +22 plus/minus rating.
The Sylvania native picked up right where he left off to start his sophomore season. After a five-point opening weekend, Evangelisti is tied with sophomore Tyler Harkins, who has two goals and three assists.
"He's a great player," Hogan said of Evangelisti. "He's one of our top guys for sure. More of the same from him. He gives a great effort every single night."
Evangelisti tallied his first goal of the season in Ohio's victory Friday and followed it up with two more goals and two assists Saturday. He was the first star of the game.
Even more impressive, though, is that Evangelisti still had to get acclimated to his new linemates, junior Matt Rudin and sophomore Austin Heakins.
"Obviously, it's just the first weekend of games," Evangelisti said. "You kind of want to get your feet back under you, get your hands going again and get some chemistry with your linemates. I think we did that this weekend."
Evangelisti wants to finish at the top of Ohio's total scoring again, and he believes building chemistry with his new line is the biggest key to accomplish that.
"Me and my linemates just got to get some chemistry and keep working hard, and pucks will go in," Evangelisti said.
Up next
Ohio will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, next weekend in a two-game tilt against Navy (0-3). The first game is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at McMullen Hockey Arena.
