Re: Unofficial Three Stars of the Game
Re: Unofficial Three Stars of the Game
Final From Sunday, September 28th
Ohio State 2
Western Ontario 2
(Ohio State Wins Shootout 1-0)
Buckeye Hockey Returns To The Ice With Shootout Win
It hasn't been the best Fall for Big Ten Football. But yesterday WCHA Members OSU, MN & WI all enjoyed some gridiron success. And hey, it's still September, right? Wait, September? That means it's time for...
Hockey? Indeed it is.
Offensively the game looked like September; the shooters haven't really regained that finishing touch. Yet the Buckeyes put up plenty of shots, outshooting the Mustangs 46-22. Certainly credit should also go to the Mustang defense for jealously guarding the slot, often keeping Buckeye shooters off balance or to the outside. And while I didn't put Goalie
Kelly Campbell on the Stars List, I easily could have. Her fine effort went a long way toward keeping her team in the game.
The afternoon ended in success for the home team. And yes, it was great to be back at the Ice Rink, despite the early date on the calendar.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun
Western Ontario Honorable Mention: Marlowe Pecora
Pecora had the first Western goal on a fine solo dash up the left wing.
Nicole French gained possession in her defensive zone, steering the puck to
Katie Hubert. Clearing the zone, Hubert sent the puck along to Pecora, who did the rest. Beyond the scoring play, Marlowe had a strong night in the face-off circle, winning 10 of 17 draws.
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Kassidy Sauve, Alex LaMere & Stacy Danczak
Each Buckeye goalie got a period of work and acquitted herself nicely. Stacy got the bonus time and recorded the shootout win. BTW, Welcome to Columbus, Kassidy & Alex!
#3 Star: Katelyn Gosling, Western Ontario
Katelyn recorded an assist, but this star is really for her strong overall game. Gosling functions as something of a quarterback from Left D. She's the kind of player that settles things down and makes those around her better.
#2 Star: Claudia Kepler, Ohio State
Claudia had two assists, including the lone helper on a nice 2 on 1 short-handed goal.
Julia McKinnon finished the job on the shortie. But as with the #3 Star, I went with a strong overall effort as much as the scoresheet.
#1 Star: Kendall Curtis, Ohio State
I remain old school, and therefore reluctant to place too much emphasis on shootouts. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that Kendall's goal was today's offensive highlight. Yes, it won the game. But it also did well in the artistic merit category. The patient Curtis got the Western goalie to commit, pulled the puck across the slot, then slammed it off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. Thing of beauty.
Next Up: The Buckeyes Host The New Hampshire Wildcats Next Friday Evening & Saturday Afternoon. Note the "New Normal" Friday Start Time -- 6:07 P.M.