Ohio Bobcats win national championship for the first time in 22 years!
The Ohio Bobcats battled through four tough games to win their first national championship in 22 years!
The Bobcats received a bye for the first round of the tournament. During the second round they faced the #15 seed, the University of Arizona. After some strong play from both teams, the Bobcats took them down with a 5-4 win in overtime. The Bobcats moved to the quarter finals to face the #7 seed, Maryville University, and dominated with an 8-1 win. The Bobcats faced the #11 seed, Calvin University, in the semifinals and were able to shut them out with a 4-0 win.
The Bobcats faced the #9 seed Adrian College in the championship game. Both teams battled intensely throughout the majority of the first period. With less than two minutes remaining in the first period, Laker Aldridge opened the scoring for the Bobcats assisted by Blake Dustin and Brady Gilbert. Ohio led 1-0 going into the second period. Just 37 seconds into the second period, Drake Albers took a tripping penalty giving Adrian College their first power play of the game. The Bobcats were able to kill off the power play and keep the score 1-0. About halfway into the second period, Lance Mengel took a penalty and gave Adrian College their second power play. Again, the Bobcats held Adrian College scoreless. Nolan Abraham scored a second goal for the Bobcats assisted by Lance Mengel and Luc Reeve. Late in the second period, the Bobcats got their first power play which rolled over into the third period. The Bobcats were unable to score but still led 2-0. Adrian College scored their first goal of the game at 15:01 to bring the score to 2-1. With just two minutes left in the third period, Adrian College pulled their goaltender to attempt to tie the game. Will Cohen was able to get an empty net goal for the Bobcats assisted by Barron Stibbe and Tj Richey. Goaltender Matt Zazon played an excellent game and saved 26 of the 27 shots he faced. The Bobcats won the national championship with a 3-1 win against Adrian College. Luc Reeve was named MVP of the tournament.
Congratulations to the Ohio Bobcats for winning the 2026 ACHA Men's Division 1 National Championship!