Ohio State 2024-25 Domination of the Portal Queen!

[osualum86]

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't realize that. Yes, it is a shame. Having a comprehensive curriculum is usually how we roll.


Cool!


Nicely put.

My observation is that there's been an effort across many sports to limit the general public's access to the athletes. A trend that's been many years in the making. I wouldn't say that the athletes are being "isolated." But it does seem to me that the access is now mostly under "controlled circumstances." Call it an abundance of caution. But I hope it's never forgotten that those brief, informal conversations are meaningful to the fans & players alike.

OSU still has a journalism major, but it was merged into the School of Communication.

As for access to the athletes, we used to be able to go over to St. John Arena and wait for the girls to come out after the games so we could congratulate them or encourage them. That is no longer the case. I agree with you, I hope it is not forgotten that those interactions were meaningful to the fans and players. Years ago, we could also go to the banquets at the end of the season, but that is just for the players and their parents now. I would be willing to shell out money for tickets. It is what it is, and it is probably not going to change anytime soon, so I guess we should get used to it. I would be interested to know if it is like that at other schools in our league where fans are not able to interact with the players after the games.

 

[pgb-ohio]

OSU still has a journalism major, but it was merged into the School of Communication.

Got it. That does seem far less bad. Bureaucratic streamlining rather than eliminating the discipline. Thanks for clarifying.

As for access to the athletes, we used to be able to go over to St. John Arena and wait for the girls to come out after the games so we could congratulate them or encourage them. That is no longer the case. I agree with you, I hope it is not forgotten that those interactions were meaningful to the fans and players. Years ago, we could also go to the banquets at the end of the season, but that is just for the players and their parents now. I would be willing to shell out money for tickets. It is what it is, and it is probably not going to change anytime soon, so I guess we should get used to it. I would be interested to know if it is like that at other schools in our league where fans are not able to interact with the players after the games.

I also miss the Banquets. Of course this isn't a recent change. IIRC, the Banquets for both Women's & Men's Hockey have been private for at least a decade. But I still miss them.

This one kind of feels like cost containment; though no one has ever said that to me. Maybe while you'd cheerfully pay, there are many more who would be hurt if they weren't comped? I'm just guessing here...

 

[osualum86]

There were seasons when we went to both the men's and women's banquets. We went to a men's banquet one year where they actually sat two players at each table so the fans would be sitting with a couple of the guys. Those were the days!

 

[Timothy A]

There were seasons when we went to both the men's and women's banquets. We went to a men's banquet one year where they actually sat two players at each table so the fans would be sitting with a couple of the guys. Those were the days!

There was a time when the UW men used to play preseason game in a high school rink someplace and in 1989 they did that in Beaver Dam which is very close to where I live. They had a big spaghetti feed at the high school after the game and I got to stick signed buy every single player of that team. They won the Natty that year, that is a very treasured stick I have. Of course your men's head coach was the captain of that championship team. Those were the days indeed.

 

[osualum86]

There was a time when the UW men used to play preseason game in a high school rink someplace and in 1989 they did that in Beaver Dam which is very close to where I live. They had a big spaghetti feed at the high school after the game and I got to stick signed buy every single player of that team. They won the Natty that year, that is a very treasured stick I have. Of course your men's head coach was the captain of that championship team. Those were the days indeed.

Steve Rohlik is doing a great job with our program. I am happy with him. Great guy, the kids go to class and graduate, and most years he has us in the NCAA Tournament. He went to a Frozen Four in 2018, IIRC. The only thing he has not accomplished is winning a natty. Maybe one of these years he will get rewarded with that. I am impressed with the job he and the kids are doing this season. We were picked to finish last in the league this season, if I am not mistaken. Based on what you are saying, I guess a lot of schools are keeping the fans away from the teams.

 

[osualum86]

Tonight's game was a challenge, but the guys came away with a hard-fought 4-2 win. Wisconsin is tough to play against, certainly better than what their record shows. I know it sounds cliche-ish, but there are really no easy outs in the BIG Ten. I just checked the standings and we are actually tied with Minnesota now for second in the league with 40 points. The Sparties are in first, just three points ahead with 43. Wow. Maybe Rohlik should get BIG Ten Coach of the Year for the job he is doing considering where we were picked to finish.

 

[pgb-ohio]

There were seasons when we went to both the men's and women's banquets.

That was also my method of operation. IIRC we had a year or two when the Banquets were held on the same date. But in a normal year I attended both.

We went to a men's banquet one year where they actually sat two players at each table so the fans would be sitting with a couple of the guys. Those were the days!

That was done at the Women's Hockey Banquet once. I believe 2010, or at least close to that year.

I honestly don't remember the particulars, such as whether either team did this more than once. Or maybe it wasn't even part of a plan, and we just lucked into great seats on a couple of occasions. Good memories.

 

[osualum86]

Tonight's game was certainly a game of ebbs and flows. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 3-0 lead, only to watch that lead evaporate in the second and third periods. The Buckeyes then got a power play goal and an empty netter to win this one 5-3. Ohio State got two first period goals from Makenna Webster and Joy Dunne to go up 2-0 at the first intermission. Jocelyn Amos scored the first of her three goals early in the second to put the Buckeyes up 3-0. Kudos to Coach Brian Idalski and the Huskies for their never-say-die attitude out there. St. Cloud would get a goal from Alice Sauriol to make the score 3-1 heading into the final intermission. The Huskies weren't finished as they scored the first two goals of the third period to tie this one at 3. Scoring St. Cloud's goals were Laura Zimmerman and Emma Gentry. Jocelyn Amos scored a power play goal to make it 4-3, then added an empty-netter to complete her hat trick and lead the Bucks to a hard-fought 5-3 win. Ohio State outshot St. Cloud in this one 32-16. Buckeye netminder Amanda Thiele stopped 13 of the 16 shots she faced to get the win. Sanni Ahola started in net for the Huskies and stopped 27 of the 31 shots she faced. The two teams are back at it tomorrow with game time at 3:00 pm EST. Senior Day festivities will start at 2:00. Talked to a couple redcoats after the game who informed me doors will still open at 2:00, so I guess fans will just miss the first part of the Senior Day festivities. It's a shame they can't make an exception and let fans in a half-hour early or even 15 minutes early so we have a chance to get in the rink on time and be in our seats when our Seniors get honored.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Final Score From Friday, February 21st
Ohio State 5
St. Cloud State 3

Ohio State's Got Talent. Musical Talent!​

Just when you think you've seen everything, something new comes along. I suppose that somewhere it's been done it before. But this is the first time I've ever seen a Division 1 Athlete sing the National Anthem immediately prior to competing. To set the bar even higher, one of her teammates presented a Sign Language version of the Anthem, also immediately prior to competing.

The Ice Rink Crowd loved it. Even Simon Cowell would have loved it, The performers had a huge embrace at the conclusion of the song. The rest of the team? Thrilled. Canadians & Americans alike. Great show of unity. The Buckeyes started the game on fire. Ohio State raced out to a 2-0 lead. Then early in the 2nd Period, they made it 3-0.

To the Huskies' great credit, they kept battling hard. Flipping the script, they came all the way back to tie the game at 3.

The Buckeyes bent, but they didn't break. With a PP Goal, they regained the lead. An Empty-Netter sealed the deal.

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

St. Cloud Honorable Mention: Emma Gentry
Emma led the St. Cloud comeback. Strong and Determined, Gentry had the Primary Assist on the 2nd Huskie Goal; and the finish on the goal that tied it up.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: (tie) Joy Dunne and Mira Jungaker
Multi-point nights for both players. 1 goal & 2 assists for Joy; a pair of assists for Mira. Both players figured prominently in the GWG.



#3 Star: (tie) Alice Souriol, St. Cloud State; and Avery Myers, St. Cloud State
The St. Cloud comeback began with a brilliant 2 on 1 effort by Alice & Avery. The breakout pass from Carmen Bray was on line, but a bit off the ice. Sofianna Sundelin chopped the puck down, effectively clearing the Huskie Zone & launching Souriol and Myers. Their nice give and go play left the Buckeye Keeper with no chance.


#2 Star: (tie) Jenna Buglioni, Ohio State; and Makenna Webster, Ohio State
The Buckeye Music Women! Jenna sung; Makenna signed. Next came the hug. Then the Game's 1st Goal. Signer from Singer @ 3:42 of the 1st Period. The Secondary Assist came from Brooke Disher.

Buglioni also had the Primary Assist on the next goal. This time it was a 5/3 PP conversion. Mira fed Jenna down low; then Jenna sent a perfect diagonal pass across the slot to Joy. Dunne had lots of net and made no mistake.


#1 Star: Jocelyn Amos, Ohio State
Score a Hat Trick and you've got a great shot at the #1 Star. When that Hat Trick includes both the GWG and the Insurance Goal, who am I to argue?

The Game-Winner came on a 5/4 PP. A stiff Joy Dunne shot went wide of the mark. Mira Jungaker corralled the rebound, and fed Jocelyn. Amos curled toward the slot, and nailed the lower left hand corner of the net.

Dunne also started play on the 5/6 Insurance Goal. Next up Webster. Makenna had a shot at the empty net, although the angle wasn't ideal. Instead, she unselfishly fed Jocelyn, who was happy to finish the job. Hat Trick, Set, Match.


Next Stargazing: Senior Day, Followed By The Saturday Re-Match. Face-Off is at 3:02 PM EST. Yes, as currently scheduled, the Senior Day ceremony begins 2 minutes before the Ice Rink Doors officially open to the public at 2:00 PM. Crazy. I have no inside info to offer. But I've just got to believe that this will somehow be tweaked to eliminate the awkward arrangement currently on the books. Be all that as it may: If you like Stargazing, you can't miss Senior Day. Enter the Ice Rink as soon as the Redcoats will let you in!

Postscript:
Only the Bold text is supposed to be underscored. I have no idea what I did wrong, but the new system won't let me turn off the underscore on the regular text. Apologies. Maybe I can re-type the entire post at some point. But I have no time for that today. Again, apologies.

 

[osualum86]

Ohio State completed the sweep earlier today by a final score of 3-2. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the determined Huskies came back to tie it. A late goal won it for Ohio State. The Bucks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Joy Dunne and Riley Brengman heading into the first intermission. Emma Gentry scored for St. Cloud late in the second period to get the Huskies on the board and the teams went into the final intermission with Ohio State up 2-1. Abby Promersberger scored late in the third period to tie it at 2. Two minutes later, Makenna Webster lit the lamp for Ohio State to send the Bucks to a 3-2 victory and the #2 seed in the WCHA Tournament. Ohio State outshot the Huskies in this game 32-16. Buckeye netminder Amanda Thiele stopped 14 of the 16 shots she faced to get the win. Emilia Kyrkko stopped 29 of the 32 shots she faced for St. Cloud. Next up is the quarterfinals of the WCHA Tournament. Ohio State will host St. Thomas in a best of three series. St. Cloud gets the 5-seed and will travel to 4th-seeded Minnesota-Duluth for their best of three series.

 

[Lindsay]

I like to think you were making the point that the whole post is important. Everything has been emphasized. Pretty cool for those ladies, I saw Muzerall talked about it postgame

 

[pgb-ohio]

I like to think you were making the point that the whole post is important. Everything has been emphasized. Pretty cool for those ladies, I saw Muzerall talked about it postgame

Yeah, that's the ticket. I INTENDED for whole post to be underscored!

Actually, in my heart, everything in the post IS important. Fans with no OSU connections might sometimes disagree, but that's sports.

On a more practical level: Since you had my back on this, I no longer feel like I have to re-type the whole post. Thanks for the reply.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Final Score From Saturday, February 22nd
Ohio State 3
St. Cloud State 2

Hockey Tips​

Saturday was Senior Day at The Ohio State University. (Yes, I realize that most of our "Seniors" are Graduate Students.) The ceremony for the outgoing players was meaningful, as always. Major thanks to PA Announcer Rick Bannister for delivering the message with style and passion. And of course thanks to everyone from OSU who contributed to the script and the planning.

Our Seniors have long been seasoned veterans. Watch how they play; you might just pick up Hockey Tip or two. And here's a quick tip for the reader: Be sure to notice that all six players in this year's class get Mentions in my post.

Once play began, there were lots of parallels with Friday's game. Once again, the Buckeyes started strong and took a multi-goal lead. Once again, the Huskies came all the back to tie the score in the 3rd Period. Once again, Ohio State bagged a clutch late goal to grab the regulation time victory, and the full complement of standings points.

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

St. Cloud State Honorable Mention: Emma Gentry
The St. Cloud comeback began with a blazing shot from Emma. Carmen Bray and Grace Wolfe did a fine job with puck movement to create Gentry's opportunity. Bray & Wolfe earned assists on the play. Emma also got a little help from a Buckeye stick. With the upwards carom, the puck blasted into the upper left hand corner of the net. It would have been a tough save in any event; the deflection made it unstoppable.

It must be quickly noted that Gentry left the game with an injury. Here's to hoping that Emma is back to 100% ASAP.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: (tie) Kiara Zanon Dunne and Emily Zumwinkle
Kiara and Emily get the first two Senior Mentions. Neither landed on Saturday's Scoresheet; though both played well. But Zanon & Zumwinkle are no strangers to this space. Kiara earned the #1 Star on Saturday, February 8th against St. Thomas. Emily received the highest honor on Saturday, January 11th against Bemidji.



#3 Star: (tie) Amanda Thiele, Ohio State; Riley Brengman, Ohio State and Jenna Buglioni, Ohio State
I sincerely thank Amanda for her entire career; I haven't recognized her nearly enough. On Senior Day she had the challenge and "honor" of facing a rare 6 on 3 PP. Two Buckeyes in the box; and the Huskies pulled their keeper for a 6th Attacker. A full minute of 6 on 3. In the 1st Period! Thiele was rock solid holding St. Cloud at bay. Solid saves; exquisite rebound control. Oh, and at other points of the game, she staved off breakaways. Thank you, Amanda!

Riley scored yet another rink-long dash goal. This time the puck smacked the right post and exploded into the left side of the net. It appears that Brengman really believes she can play like Bobby Orr. You know what, Riley? I believe it too!

Jenna won the face-off that led to the Brengman breakaway. For the record, the break-out pass came Jocelyn Amos. Buglioni had just had the one assist on Senior Day. But she's been lighting the lamp and grabbing Stars are year long.

It must be quickly noted that Buglioni left the game with an injury. Here's to hoping Jenna is back to 100% ASAP.


#2 Star: Abby Promersberger, St. Cloud State
St. Cloud also has seasoned veterans that can give you a Hockey Tip or two. That certainly includes Senior Abby Promersberger. And what a tip it was!

The play began in the left wing corner. Marie Moran sent the puck back to the left point. Siiri Yrjola received the puck cleanly and sent a stiff shot toward the Buckeye Net. With breathtaking precision, Abby crisply steered the puck into the top shelf. I'm kind of thinking that Abby and Siiri have worked on this play in practice.


#1 Star: Makenna Webster, Ohio State
Promersberger's tip was highlight reel material, and it created a 2-2 tie. But two minutes and sixteen seconds later, Webster gave us a tip for the ages. It held up as the GWG.

Up high, Emma Peschel fed Mira Jungaker. Mira took the initial shot. Set up in the slot and facing Jungaker, Makenna got the shaft of her stick on the puck, and re-directed it through her legs. The deflection blew into the Huskies Net at a sizzling pace. Now that's a Senior Moment!

Adding to her treasure trove of statistics, Webster also had a Senior Day Assist. Specifically the head-man pass that led to Joy Dunne's ice-breaking goal. All told, Makenna now has career totals of 67 Goals & 89 Assists -- which translates to 156 scoring points.


Confidential To XenForo: I'm still enjoying the new platform. But maybe you can get the underscore feature up onto the main bar? And maybe de-bug whatever it was that I tripped over in the Friday 3 Stars post?

Next Stargazing: The Buckeyes Host the St. Thomas Tommies In The Opening Round Of The WCHA Playoffs. I do realize that there are other appealing hockey match-ups in Columbus next weekend. Very appealing. But you can count on me to be at the Ice Rink for both Games 1 & 2 -- plus Game 3 if necessary. See you there!

 

[creaseprotector100]

Ohio State completed the sweep earlier today by a final score of 3-2. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the determined Huskies came back to tie it. A late goal won it for Ohio State. The Bucks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Joy Dunne and Riley Brengman heading into the first intermission. Emma Gentry scored for St. Cloud late in the second period to get the Huskies on the board and the teams went into the final intermission with Ohio State up 2-1. Abby Promersberger scored late in the third period to tie it at 2. Two minutes later, Makenna Webster lit the lamp for Ohio State to send the Bucks to a 3-2 victory and the #2 seed in the WCHA Tournament. Ohio State outshot the Huskies in this game 32-16. Buckeye netminder Amanda Thiele stopped 14 of the 16 shots she faced to get the win. Emilia Kyrkko stopped 29 of the 32 shots she faced for St. Cloud. Next up is the quarterfinals of the WCHA Tournament. Ohio State will host St. Thomas in a best of three series. St. Cloud gets the 5-seed and will travel to 4th-seeded Minnesota-Duluth for their best of three series.

The trend of undisciplined penalties continued this weekend for the Buckeyes. Granted SC only capitalized on 1 of 7 during Friday's game and 1 of 6 in Saturday's game, but this will prove troublesome against more talented teams down the stretch when it really counts.

 

[osualum86]

The trend of undisciplined penalties continued this weekend for the Buckeyes. Granted SC only capitalized on 1 of 7 during Friday's game and 1 of 6 in Saturday's game, but this will prove troublesome against more talented teams down the stretch when it really counts.

Totally agree with you! Our PK has been pretty good this season, but why play with fire?

 

[osualum86]

The Buckeyes opened their WCHA Tournament Quarterfinal Series against St. Thomas with a 5-1 win. As has been the case with this team under Coach Nadine Muzerall, the Buckeye D clamped down and never let the Tommies get much going, holding them to 12 shots on goal for the game. Ohio State got goals from Joy Dunne and Emma Peschel in the first period to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. The Buckeyes' Mira Jungaker scored the only goal of the second period and the teams headed into the final intermission with Ohio State leading 3-0. Jocelyn Amos scored 29 seconds into the third period to put the Buckeyes up 4-0. Cara Sajevic got the Tommies on the board with a power play goal late in the third period. Ohio State's Mira Jungaker would get a short-handed goal on that same power play a minute later to make the final score 5-1. Ohio State outshot the Tommies 42-12. Amanda Thiele got the start in net for the Buckeyes and stopped 11 of the 12 shots she faced to get the win. St. Thomas netminder Dani Strom stopped 37 of the 42 shots she faced in the loss. Game 2 will be tomorrow at 3:00 pm EST. For those attending, you can park in the Lane Avenue garage on the corner of Tuttle Park Place and Lane Avenue next to the Blackwell Inn. Let the parking attendant know you are there for women's hockey so they do not make you pay.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Final Score From Friday, February 28th
Ohio State 5
St. Thomas 1

Scoring First: STILL Highly Recommended​

Last time these two teams met, the Buckeyes scored first and won 5-1. This time the Buckeyes scored first and won 5-1. So if this post reads like a re-run, in a sense it is. A re-run that first aired on Saturday, February 7th.

Naturally some of the particulars are different. But once again we'll focus on the goal scorers, particularly the players responsible for those early goals.

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

St. Thomas Honorable Mention: Cara Sajevic
Yes, Cara was in this exact position last time. But this time she has it to herself. Her unassisted goal broke up the shutout.

Sajevic intercepted a Buckeye breakout pass and drove into the high slot. Cara's stiff shot proved to be too hot to handle. The Buckeye keeper battled it gamely. But in the end she wound up sticking the puck into her own net. Tough way to loose a shutout. But all credit to Cara for her great individual effort.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: Jocelyn Amos
Jocelyn had a brilliant assist on the GWG. Amos had the middle position on a tic-tac-toe play. Her crisp tape-to-tape pass gave Emma Peschel a golden opportunity with plenty of night to shoot at. More on the finish below.

Jocelyn also nailed a PP play goal just 29 seconds into the third period. Although the Sajevic tally was yet to come, this one really put the game out of reach.



#3 Star: Joy Dunne, Ohio State
Joy opened the scoring just 1:31 into the contest, getting the Buckeyes off on the right foot. The method of operation was familiar; a Dunne Dangle and a fine blast. Later on, 2 Assists made it a 3 point night -- a total only topped by the #1 Star.


#2 Star: Emma Peschel, Ohio State
Emma & Mira Jungaker were Ohio State's Top D-Pair in this one. Together they were a dominant force at both ends of the ice. Peschel had the 2nd Assist on the all-important Dunne Goal. On the game-winner, Emma pounded the puck into the Tommie's net after that great feed from Amos.


#1 Star: Mira Jungaker, Ohio State
Mira was all over the scoresheet, with 2 goals and 2 assists. If 3rd Assists were a thing, she would have earned it on the GWG. That would have made for a scoring point on every single Buckeye Tally. As it is, I'm sure Jungaker feels satisfied with 4 scoring points on 5 Buckeye Goals, and a +4 on the night. That +/- total was equalled only by D-Partner Peschel. Together they led all players.

The third Ohio State goal came on a fine Jungaker rocket. The shot benefited from a good screen set by Josie St. Martin. I don't believe the puck hit Josie's shoulder, but it sure gave the Tommies' Goalie something to think about.

Finally, Mira completed the scoring on a successful 2 on 1 short-handed rush. The precision assault led to a tap-in goal. Great Work! On to Game Two.


Confidential To Joy D: Love everything about how you play. Just remember, we need you on the ice, not in the box. Yeah, you're that good.

Next Stargazing: Game Two Gives the Buckeyes An Opportunity To Sweep The Best-Of-Three Series. As you're almost certainly aware, we share the Ohio State Campus with the NHL Stadium Series on Saturday. It will be a historic day for Hockey in Columbus. Don't miss it, but do leave for campus early. Go Bucks & Go CBJ!

 

[osualum86]

Ohio State eliminated St. Thomas from the WCHA Tournament Saturday afternoon by a final score of 4-1. The Buckeyes got three first period goals from Joy Dunne, Josie St. Martin, and Maddi Wheeler and led 3-0 at the first intermission. Makenna Webster would score and put the Bucks up 4-0 heading into the final intermission. Maddie Jurgensen would score a late goal to get the Tommies on the board, but that is how it ended as Ohio State won 4-1. The Bucks outshot the Tommies 34-15 in this one. Buckeye backstop Amanda Thiele stopped 14 of the 15 shots she faced in the win. Dani Strom started in net for the Tommies and stopped 30 of the 34 shots she faced. St. Thomas' season comes to an end. Ohio State will advance to the WCHA Final FaceOff but it is not known who they will face yet. Minnesota State defeated Minnesota 5-4 in overtime Saturday to extend that series to a third game. If Minnesota wins, Ohio State will play the Gophers and Minnesota-Duluth will face top-seeded Wisconsin. If Minnesota State pulls off the upset tomorrow, they will face Wisconsin and Ohio State will take on Minnesota-Duluth.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Final Score From Saturday, March 1st
Ohio State 4
St. Thomas 1
(Ohio State Wins WCHA Quarterfinal Series 2-0)

Rinse & Repeat; Then Take It Outside​

The Buckeyes have now used the same Method of Operation in 3 straight games against St. Thomas. Score Early. Dictate Play. Score Again. Acknowledge That The Tommies Don't Quit; Yield One Goal. Rinse & Repeat. Sweep Series.

Now, about that "Take It Outside" thing. Saturday Ohio Stadium hosted an NHL Stadium Series Game:
Final Score From Saturday, March 1st
Columbus Blue Jackets 5
Detroit Red Wings 3

Fortunately the start times lined up well. So I was able to fully enjoy the Buckeyes' Sweep, then walk across Woody Hayes Drive to join 94,000 of my closest friends for the Outdoor Game. Quite the spectacle. I had a fine view from my C Deck location. Cold? Yeah, a bit. But not nearly as cold as the Frozen Confines Games at Wrigley Field.

It was nice that the hometown CBJ won. And of course your can't have a major event at Ohio Stadium without The Greatest Tradition In College Band History: The Incomparable Script Ohio. One of the local broadcasters called the event a "perfect merging of Columbus Blue Jackets and Ohio State Football Traditions." I'll buy that.

Back to the WCHA Playoffs.

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

St. Thomas Honorable Mention: (tie) Maddy Clough and Maddie Jurgensen
When Maddy & Maddie broke up the shutout, it was a little bit madd-ening. But mostly you had to respect the goal. On the first 'D' pair, Clough is a crafty player with a high Hockey IQ. She really operates as the Tommies' Quarterback. When she carried the puck into the high slot -- with time -- we found ourselves facing a clear and present danger. Meanwhile, Jurgensen got busy and set up a screen in front of the Buckeye net. Clough's shot hit the back of Jurgensen's leg just above the knee, and caromed in. St. Thomas was on the board.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: (tie) Grace McCoshen and Maria Roth
Grace and Maria are both still looking for their first goals as Buckeyes. On the line chart as the 4th 'D' Pair, the lack of scoring isn't especially startling. But both players came quite close on Saturday.

Both got quality ice time in the 3rd Period. Both got two SOG. IIRC, each player had an additional quality chance with Roth shooting just wide, and McCoshen hitting the post. Or maybe it was the other way around. Regardless, we got a nice outing from both players. We look for more good things from them.



#3 Star: Amanda Thiele, Ohio State
Amanda held St. Thomas to a single goal in both games this weekend. That'll do just fine. Clearly Thiele gave the Buckeyes an opportunity to win on both days.

OK; 11 Saves Friday and 14 Saves Saturday may not sound like bountiful totals. But there were a number of tough stops along the way. Shutting down a Rylee Bartz Breakaway comes to mind.


#2 Star: Josie St. Martin, Ohio State
Eleven different Buckeyes contributed to the 4 Buckeye Goals. By bagging the GWG, Josie lands at the lofty position of the #2 Star. The play began with Jordan Baxter winning a puck battle along the boards. St. Martin happily snared possession of the puck, then launched a give and go play with Jordyn Petrie. Nice passing; nice finish. It was the second half of a two goal explosion, all of which came in the first two minutes of the game.


#1 Star: Joy Dunne, Ohio State
On Friday, Joy opened the scoring just 1:31 into the contest. On Saturday, Joy opened the scoring just 1:36 into the contest. I'm not sure why we needed those extra 5 seconds of horsing around. But we'll take it.

Dunne also helped finish the scoring with the Primary Assist on Makenna Webster's goal. That gave Joy a 2 point night. She was the only player to accomplish that on Saturday.

Battling along the boards? Dangling through the slot? Dunne is just so skilled and strong. When the Buckeyes really need someone to step up and make a play, Joy is always an excellent choice. Hollywood gave us The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Ohio State responds with The Unstoppable Joy Dunne.



Next Stargazing: The Buckeyes Travel To Duluth To Compete In The Final Face-Off. No Stargazing for that one; I'll be viewing that tournament from Central Ohio. Presumably on Big 10+. But as we're now confident that we'll be hosting a Regional, I'll have the telescope at the ready then. The "Neutral Game" is scheduled for Thursday, March 13th at 7:00 PM Eastern. The Regional Championship Game follows on Saturday, March 15th at 6:00 PM Eastern. At least for Saturday, Advance Tickets are a must!

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Minnesota was the hungrier team and played harder than us. We need better mental discipline, you can't give a team like Minnesota power plays and breakaways! Also our PP percentage is too low. It'll be interesting what this will cost us in the pairwise and the selection show. If we had advanced and lost to the Badgers I don't think that would hav dinger us.