Re: WCHA Thread IV
Final From Saturday, September 12th
Ohio State 4
St. Cloud State 2
Strong Start, Steadfast Finish
The Buckeyes came out strong and determined, controlling the first two periods and building a 3-0 lead. But then the scene shifts to the third period. The Huskies deserve a ton of credit for mounting a furious charge, outshooting the home team 16-5 in the final frame. The Buckeyes weathered the storm. But observers will likely differ on how to interpret the result. On the optimistic side, OSU played more than well enough to win. On the skeptical side, it could be claimed that the Buckeyes let a visiting team hang around too long, making the final minutes all too interesting. There's probably some truth to both perspectives. But successfully preserving the win sure beats the alternative.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Kari Schmitt
A piece of outstanding hand/eye coordination launched the first scoring play. At the defensive blue line, Kari plucked a knee-high puck out of mid-air, directing it to d-partner and sister
Sara Schmitt. With Sara's strong breakout pass, both earned assists on the play. Kari also bagged the important insurance goal. Taking aim from up high on the right side, the left-handed shooter took advantage of the favorable angle and found the inside of the left post.
St. Cloud State Honorable Mention: Audrey Hanmer
Strong and fast, and something of a quarterback on ice, Audrey is clearly one of the Huskies' leaders. All her hard work paid off on the second St. Cloud goal, when her shot from the right point was tipped in by
Molli Mot.
#3 Star: Kendall Curtis, Ohio State
Welcome to the star list, #26! Kendall's GWG was a nicely placed shot just inside the right post. Curtis finished her hardworking day at a well earned +1.
#2 Star: Abby Ness, St. Cloud State
Abby is a creative offensive force, and was able produce a goal and an assist in this tilt. On her goal,
Julia Gilbert and Mollie Mot struggled to maintain possession in the neutral zone, with Mott finally steering the puck in Ness' direction. From just inside her own blue line, Abby took off on a solo dash that Bobby Orr would have been pleased with. The goal got SCSU back into the game, setting up the interesting finish.
#1 Star: Danielle Gagne, Ohio State
Danielle came ready to play today, and we're certainly glad she did. She both opened the scoring and assisted on the GWG. On the goal, she wheeled into the slot. Appearing to use a defender as a screen, Gagne lasered the puck into the upper lefthand corner. On the game winner, she stole a puck at the defensive blue line and carried the puck into the offensive zone. From there she directed the puck to Curtis, who was only too happy to finish the job. Danielle was +2 on the day, which reflects a full game of noticeably strong effort.
Next Up: Road Trip to North Dakota
.
, we obviously wish him a speedy and complete recovery.