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Ohio State 2024-25 Domination of the Portal Queen!

Well I guess funneling the new ice rink money to the football team so they can have gold plated silverware paid off.

Don't get me started. It's a sore subject around here. It saddens me that the best program on campus plays in arguably the worst facility in the country.
 
It saddens me that the best program on campus plays in arguably the worst facility in the country.
Hasn't the gridiron gang now laid claim to that "best ... on campus" crown? Even though Muzzy is without a doubt the sharper dresser.
 
Hasn't the gridiron gang now laid claim to that "best ... on campus" crown? Even though Muzzy is without a doubt the sharper dresser.

2 National Titles in the last three seasons > 1 National Title, just my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love my Buckeye Football, but rather than football and women's hockey being 1 and 2, now it's more like 1a and 1b. I love both, and OSU Women's Hockey is right there with OSU Football for me. Totally agree with you that the Muzzinator is a sharp dresser! She is always stylin'!
 
Hockeybuckeye hasn't posted since 1/4. I know he had a bunch of health issues during covid. I hope he's doing ok.
 
Hockeybuckeye hasn't posted since 1/4. I know he had a bunch of health issues during covid. I hope he's doing ok.

Your concern is appreciated. However he has posted as recently as 1/18, albeit on a different thread. I saw him at the Ice Rink during the Bemidji series. I see no reason to doubt that he's fine.
 
Looks like the pub I mentioned in the SUB is closed Tuesday’s. Here’s one more right next to campus for future visitors https://www.cornerstonebar.com

The Cornerstone was great. Would work perfectly either before, or after, a hockey game. With the 4:00 PM Face-Off, I went afterwards.

Quick Takes:
Friendly staff. Appealing sports bar with plenty of TV screens. Menu with plenty of choices. My "Beef Melt" sandwich gets a full thumbs up.

OK, one technicality. Usually a "Melt" is served on toast. This sandwich came on a hamburger bun. But you know what? Who cares about the toast when everything about the sandwich is so fresh & good? And I do mean everything. The hamburger bun itself, the meat, the cheese sauce, the string onions, the works.

Great recommendation; thanks!


P.S. Will have some more to post about my Mercyhurst visit later tonight or tomorrow...
 
Final Score From Tuesday, January 21st
Ohio State 5
Mercyhurst 1
Have Mercy! 'Twas An Erie Occurrence

But to clarify, there was nothing weird about it at all. It was simply a fun day trip to Erie, Pennsylvania to see Ohio State compete with Mercyhurst in Women's Hockey. Mercyhurst was a gracious host. Among the nice touches: All fans were offered complimentary line charts for both teams at the front door, along with a quality color photo of the Laker squad. Welcome to The Mercyhurst Ice Center indeed!

Traveling Ohio State fans were treated to a dominating performance by their Buckeyes. Offensive Zone Time & Time of Possession heavily favored OSU. As did the SOG totals. But that didn't stop the Lakers from putting up stiff resistance.

'Twas a bit chilly Tuesday. Perhaps that foreshadowed the icy wall the Mercyhurst put up at the onset. But that wall began to crack when the Lakers took a series of penalties in the later stages of the opening stanza. Two breakthrough Buckeye goals won the period, and ultimately the game.
The Official Three Stars Of The Game: As Announced By The Mercyhurst Staff

The Host School announced an Official Three Stars List:

#1 Star: Joy Dunne, Ohio State (GWG & 1 Assist)

#2 Star: Jocelyn Amos, Ohio State (2 Assists)

#3 Star: Makenna Webster, Ohio State (2 Assists)



Comments On The Official Stars Selections

1. Solid Selections for sure. As noted in the PA Announcement, emphasis was placed on the Assists. I've been known to use that approach. Perfectly reasonable. In this particular game, I think that competing story lines are more compelling. But maybe that's just a Buckeye point of view.

2. It's definitely tough to give all Three Stars to the Visiting Team. But I do believe that was the correct decision. Credit the Mercyhurst staff with having the integrity to call it that way.

3. The Buckeyes really dominated this contest. But even in the face of the OSU Onslaught, the Lakers certainly did some good things. Recognizing that is what Honorable Mentions are for; and why I usually feel it's important to make some HM selections.


Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun

Mercyhurst Honorable Mention: (tie) Makayla Javier and Sofia Ljung
While I can't place a Laker in the Top 3, I certainly want to recognize some of the strong play contributed by the Mercyhurst 'D' Corps. Makayla (3rd 'D' Pair) and Sofia (2nd 'D' Pair) led all players in the Blocked Shots category. Javier had 6 blocks and Sofia had 4. Neither player took a penalty during the contest. Good job by both of you.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: (tie) Jocelyn Amos and Makenna Webster
Sure, I'll be happy to ratify the 2nd & 3rd selections made by the Mercyhurst staff. I'll just make a slight adjustment, and recognize Amos & Webster here in the Honorable Mention Section. They really are solid choices. Beyond the Assists, Jocelyn was a sparkling 12 of 14 in the Face-Off Circle. Meanwhile, the always hustling Makenna put up an impressive 9 SOG to lead all players.



#3 Star: (tie)Mira Jungaker, Ohio State and Kiara Zanon, Ohio State
Now, let's get to those competing story lines. Mira got her first goal as a Buckeye on a nifty tip play. Truth be told, the Jungaker goal came in the 3rd Period, relatively late in the proceedings. Also, by that point of the game, it was clear that Buckeyes teammates were going a bit out of their way to create opportunities for that 1st Tally. Happily when Mira scored, she scored with style.

While there's 200+ miles of driving between Erie, PA and State College, PA, this was a return trip to the State of Pennsylvania for Kiara. Perhaps more relevant these days, she was about 170 miles from her hometown of Fairport, NY. (Near Rochester) The grapevine says that there were Zanon family members in the stands.

Kiara certainly didn't disappoint her supporters. Her dynamic performance could easily have resulted in a multi-goal night. A single goal will have to do; but it was a beauty! Coming on an odd man rush, Zanon zipped a well-placed shot into the upper left hand corner of the Laker net.


#2 Star: Jenna Buglioni, Ohio State
As noted above, the two first period goal scorers were the difference makers. Jenna bagged Goal #2 on a Penalty Shot. Buglioni has been putting on a Penalty Shot Clinic lately, having also scored the Shootout Winning Goal at the Frozen Confines against Wisconsin. I didn't have the best vantage point for her Mercyhurst conversion, but I certainly can tell you she attacked the net with surgical precision. Gotta believe the puck went in through the 5 hole; but also gotta admit my view was partially obstructed on the play.


#1 Star: Joy Dunne, Ohio State
I am all in on the Official #1 Star Selection. The situation called for a human icebreaker. On a team well-stocked with icebreakers, Joy is perhaps the Greatest Icebreaker of them all. Of course Dunne had lots of help. But she led the charge, as she so often does. She's just so strong on the puck.

Anyhow, after Joy's breakthrough, things fell nicely into place for the Buckeyes.



Confidential To Bill Brotzman: I enjoyed meeting you; and I've gotten a nice start on your Collection Of Hockey Stories. We're from the same age group, so many of my hockey memories parallel yours.


Confidential to THEBanner: I'm glad you and your owners made the trip. You were brandished with pride, and rightfully so.



Next Stargazing: The next home series is already upon us. The Minnesota State Mavericks are probably already in town as I write. See you at the Ice Rink Friday @ 6:02 PM and Saturday @ 3:02 PM.
 
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Nice read PGB. Awesome they still hand out line charts etc. I’d like to see the PW do that. Throw back but in the best way.

OSU seems like they are rolling now. It will be a good test this weekend to see how they’ve progressed since their pre Christmas series vs Mankato.

Mira Junaker (sp) being back in the lineup should provide a second half lift. Seeing / hearing her name quite a bit.
 
The Buckeye Women took game one of their series against Minnesota State earlier tonight by a final score of 5-2. The Mavericks opened the scoring in this one on a nifty goal from Taylor Otremba to take a 1-0 lead. Undaunted, the Buckeyes came back with two goals of their own later in the period from Kiara Zanon and Sloane Matthews to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Captain Jenna Buglioni scored for Ohio State in the second period to give the Bucks a 3-1 lead. JuliAnna Gazdik answered for Mankato to bring the Mavericks to within 3-2 heading into the final intermission. The Buckeyes would get two goals in the final frame from Emma Peschel and Sloane Matthews to put it away at 5-2. Really nice to see Sloane have a multi-goal game. Sloane Matthews is one of those players who brings it every shift and it was great to see her get rewarded with a couple of goals. Ohio State outshot Minnesota State 39-15. Maverick goaltender Hailey Hansen stopped 34 of the 39 shots she faced. Amanda Thiele started in net for the Buckeyes and stopped 13 of the 15 shots she faced in the win.
 
Nice read PGB.
Thank you; I appreciate that.

Awesome they still hand out line charts etc. I’d like to see the PW do that. Throw back but in the best way.
Indeed.

Do you remember when programs were a thing? Heck, I even remember phone books! (Winking Emoji Here)

During a recent visit to Nashville, we wandered into a Predators game. They passed out free roster lists on card stock. Nice touch. But giving out the line charts is actually a step up from what the NHL Club did.

OSU seems like they are rolling now. It will be a good test this weekend to see how they’ve progressed since their pre Christmas series vs Mankato.

Mira Junaker (sp) being back in the lineup should provide a second half lift. Seeing / hearing her name quite a bit.
Yes. With the exception of that single game in Madison (WI), January has been a ton of fun.

BTW, I noticed that the Lakers bounced back from Tuesday very nicely. They shellacked Robert Morris 7-0 on Friday night.
 
Final Score From Friday, January 24th
Ohio State 5
Minnesota State 2

Motivated Mavericks Provide Good Challenge

Some visiting teams arrive suffering from a bit of jet lag. Others start the Friday game a bit tentatively; wanting to get a feel for the home team before opening up. But when the Mavericks hit the ice, they were ready to play. In fact, they opened the scoring. As Lindsay foretold, Minnesota State is a good team that provided a fine test.

Special teams mattered, as they so often do. Power plays were small in quantity, but nevertheless significant. The Buckeyes shut down both Maverick Power Plays. Ohio State converted on its only PP opportunity. Perfect is a good thing.

In the end, the Buckeyes had sufficient firepower to outdistance the Mavericks.


Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun


Minnesota State Honorable Mention: JuliAnna Gazdik
Late in the 2nd Period, JuliAnna's long range missile made it a one goal game. As it turned out, it didn't flip the result. But it sure made the 3rd Period interesting.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: Emma Peschel
Over the years, I've mentioned that certain Buckeye Defenders give me a feeling of well-being when they handle the puck. Emma gives that feeling of well-being. On both ends of the ice. Emma made her offensive impact felt in the final period, scoring the 4th OSU Goal & assisting on the 5th.

Done Deal.



#3 Star: (tie)Taylor Otremba, Minnesota State; Madison Mashuga, Minnesota State and Kianna Roeske; Minnesota State
Now about that opening goal. Clean breakout pass from Kianna to Madison. Crisp head man pass from Madison to Taylor. Calm & confident finish by Taylor.

Game On.


#2 Star: Sloane Matthews, Ohio State
Sloane had a two goal night, the only player to do so. As such, Matthews was the offensive difference maker; I reward with her the 2nd Star. An argument can be made that she should have had the top spot; but I imagine Sloane will be content with this position.

Her 1st Tally gave the Buckeyes a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Her 2nd Tally closed out the scoring, and was particularly memorable. While Riley Brengman and Emma Peschel played D2D catch, Matthews moved into open space in the high slot. She looked Emeka Egbuka finding a soft spot in a zone defense. Like Emeka, Sloane made the catch. Then she whirled and fired the puck into the Mankato net.


#1 Star: Joy Dunne, Ohio State
It might just be the best individual PK effort I've ever seen.

Joy Dunne Dangled through all three zones. She deked. She dipped. Can't swear to it, but there may have been a doodle or two in there.

She advanced forward. She advanced to the rear. She almost scored. When the puck got to the boards, she controlled the scrum. It felt like that scrum killed off 20 seconds of the penalty.

It was a Joy to behold. I observed the magnificent display with a child-like delight. Based on the look on Coach Muzz's face, she experienced the same.



Next Stargazing: The Saturday Re-Match Faces Off At The Standard 3:02 PM Time.
 
Ohio State completed the sweep of Minnesota State earlier today by a final score of 4-1. Neither team was able to light the lamp in this one until Brooke Disher scored late in the middle frame to give the Buckeyes a 1-0 lead heading into the final intermission. The Buckeyes would score the first two goals of the third period to take a 3-0 lead. Those Buckeye goals were scored by Joy Dunne and Kiara Zanon. The Mavericks came back with a goal of their own from Claire Vekich to make the score 3-1. Ohio State's Mira Jungaker added an empty-net goal with 5 seconds to play to make the final score 4-1. Ohio State outshot the Mavericks 39-18 in this one with Buckeye netminder Hailey MacLeod stopping 17 of the 18 shots she faced in the win. Jessie McPherson started in net for Minnesota State and stopped 35 of the 38 shots she faced. Both teams will hit the road next weekend. Ohio State will travel to Minneapolis for a pivotal series with the Gophers. Minnesota State will travel to Bemidji to take on the Beavers.
 
Final Score From Saturday, January 25th
Ohio State 4
Minnesota State 1

Mavericks Battle To The End; But Buckeyes Complete The Sweep

In last year's National Championship Game, the Buckeyes and Badgers were tied 0-0 after two periods. The scoreless tie in this contest didn't last quite as long; but it did endure for 37 minutes and 45 seconds. So while this one might not have been an instant classic, we were privileged to watch an intense competition. Today's #1 Star provided the breakthrough goal.

From there, Ohio State slowly but surely built on the lead. The Mavericks interrupted the Buckeyes' progress by scoring with 7:41 remaining. But OSU's Mira Jungaker closed out the proceedings with an ENG. She gave us a by-the-book empty-netter. Mira collected a loose puck in the Buckeye defensive end, then skated it to center ice. With the possibility of an icing thus eliminated, Jungaker took aim and deposited the puck in the middle of the MSU net.


Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun


Honorable Mention: (tie) Jessie McPherson, Minnesota State; and Claire Vekich, Minnesota State
Goalie McPherson was rock solid in the Minnesota State net for almost two full periods. When she wasn't smothering the puck, she was skillfully steering rebounds away from the offense. Eventually the Buckeyes did find ways to get pucks past Jessie. But it was anything but easy.

We'll let Wing Vekich represent the strong compete level the Mavericks displayed all weekend long. Even down 3-0 on Saturday, Mankato kept battling. Claire was the one who finally beat Hailey MacLeod. Ultimately all that accomplished was breaking up the shutout. But you have to respect the never-say-die attitude.




#3 Star: Joy Dunne, Ohio State
Lately there's been a lot of Joy in this space. Mostly because #16 has Dunne a lot lately! So what about Saturday's game? Dunne had 6 SOG to lead all players. One of those shots matured into the GWG. So here's my advice to Joy: Keep Shooting and Rock On!


#2 Star: Jocelyn Amos, Ohio State
Giving Jocelyn a Star is never a bad idea. But lately her production in the Face-Off Circle has been absolutely lighting up the night sky. Consider the last three games:

January 21st @ Mercyhurst: 12 Wins in 14 Attempts
January 24th vs. Minnesota State: 13 Wins in 15 Attempts
January 25th vs. Minnesota State: 13 Wins in 17 Attempts
3 Game Total: 38 Wins in 46 Attempts


Overall Face-Off Win Rate For 3 Games = 82.6%

That's crazy good. In fact, it's certifiably insane. We're glad Jocelyn's on our side.


#1 Star: Brooke Disher, Ohio State
Brooke had a goal and an assist on Saturday, earning two huge scoring points. First, let's talk about the assist. Controlling the puck at the left point, Disher directed the puck down the boards to Jocelyn Amos. BTW, passing the puck to Jocelyn is another thing that's never a bad idea. Anyhow, Amos found linemate Dunne on the move toward the slot. Puck sent & received. Joy barged toward the net with the disc, and took the game-winning shot.

Cool enough. But Brooke's goal was even more important. It broke a 0-0 tie that had lasted through most of the 2nd Period. The play originated along the left wing boards, right in front of the Buckeye Bench. From deep in the corner, Sloane Matthews sent the puck up the boards to Josie St. Martin at the face-off circle. Josie shepherded the puck along to Brooke. Disher strode to the inside, then launched a tricky long range shot that eluded the Mankato Keeper. The difficulty of the shot was greatly enhanced by the fact that two separate Buckeyes were setting moving screens to obstruct the goalie's vision. Who were those masked Women? If anyone knows, please thank them for me. No doubt Brooke Disher already has.



Next Stargazing: Next Weekend There's A Pretty Special Road Trip To Minneapolis On The Docket. The 3 Stars Will Resume With The Home Games Against St. Thomas on February 7th & 8th. Note That On Saturday 2/8, There's A Early Face-Off Time Of 1:02 PM EST.
 
Hockeybuckeye hasn't posted since 1/4. I know he had a bunch of health issues during covid. I hope he's doing ok.

I greatly appreciate the concern Timothy. No, it's the holidays were very demanding and exhausting and the winter blahs feel more draining this year. Probably just a consequence of growing older.
Sadly I heard Sierra might not be back.
 
I greatly appreciate the concern Timothy. No, it's the holidays were very demanding and exhausting and the winter blahs feel more draining this year. Probably just a consequence of growing older. Sadly I heard Sierra might not be back.

I hope you are enjoying another great season for your team. Hopefully that gives you some juice to get over the blah's a bit. My wife uses a vitamin D lamp since hockey does not help her lol. It does her a lot of good. I can tell when she misses a few times then get to yell at her, which is refreshing for me since I'm the one always getting chewed out.

I don't recall Sierra bringing anything to the conversation other than MuZzY is a goddess and everyone else sucks; best wishes to them.
 
Minnesota took game one of this series to move into sole possession of second place in the WCHA standings with a 3-1 victory over Ohio State earlier tonight. Give the Gophers all the credit in this one for taking advantage of Ohio State's uncharacteristic lack of discipline with two power play goals, which turned out to be the difference. Coach Nadine could not have been happy with all the penalties committed in this one. Neither team could light the lamp through the first two frames as all the scoring was done in the final period. The Gophers scored three consecutive goals in the third period to go up 3-0 and that sealed the deal in this game. The Minnesota goals were scored by Ella Huber (2) and Abbey Murphy. Ohio State got a late goal from Emily Zumwinkle to cut the lead to 3-1, but it was too little, too late for the Bucks as time ran out. After a slow start, Ohio State ended up outshooting Minnesota 26-22. Minnesota netminder Hannah Clark was brilliant in net, stopping 25 of the 26 shots she faced to get the win. Amanda Thiele got the start in net for Ohio State and stopped 19 of the 22 shots she faced in the loss. The two teams are back at it tomorrow with game time at 3:00 pm EST.
 
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