Following a strong 2022-23 season, the Bobcats are looking to continue their dominance in the DII American College Hockey Association.
The matchup presents a strong difference in experience at the goalkeeper position. Ohio returns one of the best goalies in the conference, Matthew Zazon, who boasted a save percentage of 94% last season. On the other side, Cincinnati presents a major question mark at the position with previous starter Ian Cozby no longer on the roster. That leaves the Bearcats with Justin Blauman, a junior who played just seven games last season, and freshman JB Russo.
While there isn’t much of a question mark for Cincinnati in the scoring department, its output was relatively lackluster. Top scorer and captain, George Zimmerer, returns, he was able to produce 29 points for the Bearcats. Now a grad student, the veteran defenseman is going to need more help on offense from his teammates if Cincinnati is going to turn its destiny around.
Here’s everything you need to know leading up to the Bobcats' season opener.
Game Information
Opponent: Cincinnati (2022-23: 10-21)
Location: Queen City Sportsplex (Evendale, Ohio)
Date and Time: Oct. 6, 2023
Statistical Leaders (2022)
Total Points: George Zimmerer (29)
Assists: George Zimmerer (19)
Goals: George Zimmerer (10)
Game-winning goals: George Zimmerer (2)
Penalty minutes: Jack Lammlein (32)
Player to Watch
Justin Blauman–Blauman projects as the starting goalkeeper for Cincinnati in its season debut as the most experienced player at the position. Statistically, Blauman looked solid in his seven games, saving 89.5% of the 229 shots against him, and allowing a relatively middling 3.39 goals in those games.
The junior will look to make a statement in the season opener that would prove he was a much-needed upgrade in the goal for the Bearcats. The Bobcats are going to be looking to test the relatively inexperienced Blauman in a battle that will likely paint a picture of both parties’ seasons.
What’s Next
Regardless of the result of Friday’s game, the Bobcats and Bearcats will face off once again at Bird Arena on Saturday. After finishing last season 22-7, Ohio will attempt to get off on the right foot on its campaign for the 2023-24 season.
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