Ohio’s (12-3) homecoming to Bird Arena went just about as well as it could have hoped. Although they played their first series back at home Jan. 10 and 11, most students weren’t back on campus yet. Now, with classes in session, the Bobcats got to play to two lively sold-out crowds in their series against the Mountaineers.
After a 6-1 win Friday, Ohio completely dominated Saturday night. Ohio coach Barry Schutte attributed the 9-0 victory to a newfound team effort, which had been a pain point for the Bobcats earlier in the season.
“It was a total team effort,“ Schutte said. "We haven’t played a lot of hockey, haven’t had a lot of practice this year. We had a two-month layoff ... We wanted to get everyone involved and play connected in all three zones with all five guys.”
The first period was electric for Ohio, particularly because it only took about 1 minute for Luc Reeve to start the action. Reeve has been putting up impressive numbers this season, with 21 points in 16 games played. The second half of the season is a new world for this team returning home, and Reeve recognized the struggles and the anxiety that come with that.
“It’s a mental game right now,“ Reeve said. "Especially coming back to Bird, we had a weird first semester, so coming back here is definitely overwhelming. I think everyone is starting to get into the hang of it again.”
Reeve and standout performer Drake Albers agreed that adopting a new mentality helped fuel their impressive offensive showings and for Albers, it boiled down to just having fun.
“It’s easy to put weight on yourself and expect a lot of yourself,“ Albers said. "I think if you just go out there and have fun- like I have been playing this game for 20 years- my natural instincts will just take over.”
A hat trick wasn’t enough for Albers, as he ended with four goals and one assist on the evening. Albers noted that it was easy to stay hyped up with the rocking crowd in the Bird Arena stands.
“I think we’re excited to be back here,“ Albers said. "The crowd helps a lot, hearing them cheering loud, we’re not used to that from our first semester. It’s pretty cool to see- and I think that helps carry the energy throughout the game well.”
Mathieu Ovaert’s role was not to be underestimated either. The Swiss forward has played a huge role thus far in his career with the Bobcats, and his three assists plus a goal were crucial to Ohio’s commanding offense.
The next two periods saw the same level of performance on both sides of the puck. Scott Bird’s fiery shutout was aided by skilled defensemen and an equal ability of the offense to keep the puck down the ice, evidenced by the team getting almost quadruple the shots on goal of the Mountaineers.
Ohio will be looking to continue their hot streak against Stony Brook next weekend.
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