Written by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
The #2 ACHA ranked Ohio University Hockey team faced off against the Pittsburgh Panthers for game one of a doubleheader. Friday night was the Ohio University marching band night as the Bobcats wore Marching 110 inspired jerseys. The Marching 110 was in attendance and pumped the team and the sold-out crowd up before the game started.
In period one the Bobcats struck early with two goals in the first three minutes of play. Goal number 1 was by #9 Noah Holt and the second was by #17 Laker Aldridge. Down 2-0, Pitt looked set for a comeback as they had a powerplay. However, their powerplay was unsuccessful as it ended with a Bobcat breakaway to end their penalty kill and return to even strength.
After the successful penalty kill Ohio managed to score the third goal of the period with a top shelf shot from Hollander Thompson. Pittsburgh managed to stop the bleeding by adding a score late to end the first.
The second period opened up with a Bobcat powerplay introduced by Bon Jovi. However, Panther goaltender Joe Ambroffi had a change of confidence after struggling in the first. Pitt had a successful penalty kill before having a breakaway of their own. However, Scott Bird made the save. The Bobcats controlled the puck firing shots and keeping possession in their offensive zone. While Ambroffi made 15 saves in a row, the Bobcats scored again with Holt getting his second of the night as Aldrin got an assist.
Unfortunately, Aldrin was injured later in the second period and exited the ice. And Ambroffi managed to survive the followin two Bobcat powerplays to end the second period 4-1.
Pitt had a powerplay to start out the third period which they successfully converted into a goal. The Panthers looked hopeful to make a comeback in the third period as they managed to take control. Their efforts were unsuccessful as #10 Drake Albers scored to seal the Bobcats victory 5-2.
Ambroffi finished with a save percentage of 0.911 saving 51/56 while Bird had a 0.926 save percentage saving 25/27.
#8 Luc Reeve was awarded the third star of the game #25 Thompson was awarded the second star for getting his 100th career point. While Holt won the first star for his two goals on the night.
After the game the #3 ranked Ohio University ACHA D2 team faced off against the #15 ranked Virginia Tech team. In the first period the Hokies got two powerplays which they converted into a 1-0 lead. The Hokies extended their lead to 2-0 in the second, but the Bobcats scored four unanswered goals for the win.
However, the following day the opposite result was found as the Bobcats were up early 2-0 after the first and ultimately lost to the Hokies letting up three straight goals to tie the series 1-1.
On the other hand, the D1 team were able to sweep the Pitt Panthers by winning on Saturday 4-2. Next week the Bobcats D1 team faces Stony Brook at Bird Arena. Game one is Military Appreciation night and is on January 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Game two is January 24th at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available at ohiobobcathockey.com/about/tickets.
To keep up with Ohio University hockey visit them at ohiobobcathockey.com.
