Ohio looks to end the fall semester on a high note when it hosts the No. 6 Indiana Tech in a non-league series this weekend.
The Bobcats are looking to carry the momentum that they have built in the last two series, where they have split with Lindenwood and Illinois. Both Lindenwood and Illinois are ranked in the top-10.
"The tone has already started to be set," coach Cole Bell said. "You definitely want to go into the break on a high note, and two wins would be nice."
This is the first meeting between the two programs.
Game information
Opponent: Indiana Tech
Puck drop: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Bird Arena
How to watch: Bobcat Productions presents Ohio Hockey
Meet the Opponent
Top point scorers
No. 21 Joel Holmberg (14 goals, 23 assists)
No. 7 Francesco Corona (10 goals, 24 assists)
No. 10 Zach Bennett (17 goals, 16 assists)
Goalie play
No. 41 Bryson Linenburg (9-0, 1.78 goals-against average, .923 save percentage,)
No. 31 Stephen Friedland (6-2, 2.25 goals-against average, .911 save percentage,)
Penalty minutes
No. 94 Ryan Attwood (57)
No. 10 Zach Bennett (30)
No. 4 Alex Potter (24)
What to look for
A different type of test
The Warriors style of play mirrors their game plan through an aggressive and physical type of hockey. They’ll look to carry that into Bird Arena.
"They are a good old-fashioned, blue-collar hockey team," Bell said. "It will be an interesting matchup this weekend."
The Bobcats will focus on moving the puck and finding the open areas of the ice to combat with the style of play that the warriors bring. The Bobcats have concentrated on reinforcing some of their systems this week in practice, as well.
Continue to buy-in
When the Bobcats started to have success against the top-ranked teams, there was a noticeable difference on the bench in games which they won and games which they lost.
In games where the Bobcats ended with a win, the team focused on the game and what they could control. Too often in games where Ohio ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard, the team was focused on things out of their control.
"When the bench is positive, supportive and energetic, we usually win that game," Bell said. "When it's negative, complaining and worrying about other things that's normally when we lose."
Injury notes
Kyle Craddick will play against Indiana Tech for the Bobcats. The junior forward wore a red non-contact jersey this week in practice because of a shoulder injury. Craddick played in both games of the Illinois series.
Ryan Leonard will most likely not be in the lineup against Indiana Tech. Leonard has a high ankle sprain that he suffered in the Lindenwood series.
