Ohio Earns Another Sweep After Electric Game

ATHENS – The second game in the series against the University of Pittsburg Panthers showed a different and more-productive Ohio University Bobcats team.

Once again, to capture this game in full, J.T. Schmizzi lead the Bobcats off with the first goal to set an early and aggressive tone.

That tone was key to Ohio’s four goals and majority possession of the puck in the game. Ohio’s shot selection was top tier and lead to their 4-1 win.

Their last sweep was against Stony Brook University, as they have bounced back and forth between sweeps and splits.

The weight of the game carried over from Friday and that was evident in the pace of play. Ohio did not take their foot off of the gas at all. That was another major factor in who controlled the game.

Besides one slip up, where Ben Leslie of the Panthers, scored, Ohio had a completely different approach. Although the first two periods were similar for Ohio compared to Friday, they kept on pushing the puck and having a strong forecheck.

“I thought we played a full 60 minutes of hockey, we definitely had a dip in intensity last night and tonight I thought we played all the way through,” head coach Cole Bell said.

The play had a very intense and aggressive style to it. Many penalties for both teams went uncalled to create a physical and intense environment. It wasn’t until the end that both teams began spending time in the box.

“It was an intense game it was playoff hockey and I think our guys rose to that occasion,” Bell said.

The playoff hockey mentality now has Ohio in a good position for the strong run in the tournament. They are currently 19-8 and have one more home series before the CSCHL playoffs

In order for that to happen, Ohio had to play a strategic game. That involved keeping penalties and turnovers low, and keeping the puck out of their zone.

“I thought we were a lot more focused tonight and I saw that off ice before the game,” Jimmy Thomas said. “Tonight guys were a lot more engaged.”

Goals came in two’s in the first two periods. After Schmizzi, Scott Bagby was able to get his first of the season after getting a quick shot off.

Then Sam Turner battled for his chance and succeeded to keep the lead away from Pitt’s grasp. The cherry on top came from Gianni Evangelisti as he sent Pitt home and the Bobcats off the ice with their heads high.

Ohio has their next series against Kent State University at Bird Arena. The puck is set to drop at 7:30.