Not only did the Bobcats put on an offensive show this past weekend, they also confirmed their seeding come conference playoff time.
No. 5 Ohio swept rival Kent State this weekend, marking their 18th and 19th consecutive wins against the squad. The two wins also secured second place in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League final rankings; Robert Morris claimed the conference Saturday night after sweeping Lindenwood.
Rankings aside, the Bobcats (27-7-2) turned in an exceptional performance against the Golden Flashes, winning the first game 7-0 and the second 8-2.
Although the series featured several exceptional individual performances, no players shined brighter than top-line forwards Patrick Spellacy, a freshman, and Brett Agnew, a senior.
In the first game, Spellacy led his team to victory by registering a whopping five points, including two assists and a hat trick. He added another goal and two helpers in game two, giving him a grand total of eight points on the weekend.
Agnew also tallied a goal and seven assists for eight points during the two-game series.
“Those two really stepped up this weekend for us,” coach Jonathon Sheridan said. “I think (Spellacy) really was on his game; he was our best player this weekend.”
Another significant facet Ohio showcased in the series was both its offensive and defensive depth, which was especially evident in game two, when eight different players scored all eight of Ohio’s goals. Ohio’s defense also did not allow a single Kent State shot in the second period of play.
“(It) speaks highly of our depth and versatility,” Sheridan said. “I think that is one of the strongest parts of our team: that any line can produce on any given night.”
For the second consecutive weekend, the Bobcats were forced to play without their regular goaltender, freshman Aaron Alkema. It did not affect their play, however, as freshman netminder Ryan Heltion earned the shutout in game one and stopped 28 of 30 shots this weekend.
Although the rankings may be sealed, Sheridan stressed the importance of a strong finish to the season, which will come against Pittsburgh next weekend.
“Finishing strong is very important to us, as far as a confidence factor as well as giving the fans at Bird a great weekend to close out our home season,” he said.
@kelsey_surmacz4
ks363012@ohiou.edu
Fast Facts
Friday: Ohio 7, Kent State 0
Saturday: Ohio 8, Kent State 2
— The Bobcats have won 19 consecutive games against the Golden Flashes.
This article appeared in print under the headline "Ohio beats Kent State, finishes second."
