Ohio returns to action after a week off to take on Central States Collegiate Hockey League opponent Robert Morris-Illinois.
The Bobcats and Eagles have a two-game weekend series. Both games will be in Bird Arena. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m.
Here are four things to watch for during the game.
Back in league play
Ohio has a chance to rebound in CSCHL play. The last time it had a league series was its last series, against Lindenwood. The Bobcats only took one point away from that series, after the overtime loss in the first game.
If the Bobcats want to be able to stay in competition for the league title with undefeated Lindenwood, the next two series — including next weekend against Illinois — will be key to swing league momentum back in Ohio’s favor. Taking a lot of points away from these two league home series should be a focus for the Bobcats.
On playing a man up...
Ohio has put a ton of emphasis on special teams this season.
Coach Sean Hogan has lamented about his team’s power play for most of the season. It’s a problem that’s continued from last season. The last game Ohio played, it was 0-5 with a man-advantage.
The Bobcats have been successful on 27.7 percent of their power plays this year. Ohio would hope to have that number increase as the season goes on.
Hogan wants his team to take more shots when it is on the power play. More shots would hopefully lead to better success with the man-advantage for the Bobcats.
This weekend should help, with Robert Morris killing penalties at a 76.4 percent rate.
...and playing a man down
Ohio’s penalty kill unit has played well this season. It is killing 86.1 percent of its penalties, good for second in the CSCHL.
That will likely continue this week, as the Eagles are the worst team in the league on the power play. They only have a 10 percent success rate with the man-advantage.
Robert Morris has also given up three short-handed goals, while Ohio has scored three of its own.
Bears on ice
Saturday’s game will hold Ohio’s annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped stuffed toys to throw on the ice after the Bobcats’ first goal.
The toys will be donated to Athens Children’s Service.
