It’s been 215 days since Iowa State ended the Bobcats 2018-19 season on March 24th.
Friday and Saturday will be the first time the Cyclones (6-4-0), and the Bobcats (6-0-0) will meet since that American Collegiate Hockey Association Nation Quarterfinal matchup. Even though it's a new season, that game is still in the minds of the Bobcats.
"We definitely have a bad taste in our mouth from last season," senior forward Tom Pokorney said. "We're more focused on taking care of teams like Iowa State that we are going to meet later on in March."
Game information
Opponent: Iowa State
Puck drop: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Bird Arena
How to watch: Bobcat Production presents Ohio Hockey
Meet the opponent
Top point scorers
No. 18, Dylan Goggin (five goals, four assists)
No. 6, Payton McSharry (two goals, five assists)
No. 47, Ray Zimmerman (five goals)
Between the pipes
No. 32, Nikita Kozak (6-4, 1.60 GAA, three shutouts, .944 save percentage)
Last Season
Ohio and Iowa State met six times last season. The Bobcats went 3-1 against the Cyclones in the regular season and defeated them 2-1 in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League Playoffs.
Iowa State got the most important win, however, and knocked the Bobcats out of the ACHA National Tournament before losing in the national title game.
What to watch
Defense. The defense was the focus of practice this week. So far this season, the Bobcats have faced a lot of blue-collar teams, but Iowa State will be a different challenge for the Bobcats. The Cyclones are a speed and finesse team.
If the Bobcats can apply pressure in the defensive zone, it will make it hard for Iowa State to quality shooting space.
News and Notes
-Forwards Gianni Evangelisti and Ryan Higgins are day to day with concussions. The two are questionable to play in this series.
-Forward Tyler Harkins is currently tied for first in the ACHA with 22 points. Iowa State's top three scorers have a combined point total of 21.
