Sports
Ohio Hockey Ranked #1 in ACHA
By: Anthony Allocco
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The Ohio University Men’s Hockey team took over as the top ranked American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 team in the country. Ohio (8-0-0) received 31 of 38 first place votes in the most recent rankings.
The Bobcats defeated #5 Iowa State (6-1-1) 5-4 Friday, and 1-0 (F/SO) on Saturday to rise in the rankings.
This is the first time Ohio has reached the top of the rankings under second-year head coach Sean Hogan. The Bobcats last held the top spot Oct. 26, 2012.
Leading the way for the Ohio offensive attack are Michael Harris and Matthew Rudin, each with six goals on the season, tied for second in the Central States Division. Harris also leads the team in points (13) and game-winning goals (2).
Between the pipes for the Bobcats, three different goalies have recorded wins. Aaron Alkema plays the majority of Ohio’s contests, with five games played including both wins over #5 Iowa State. Alkema has been in net all three times that the Bobcat’s have shut out their opponents. He has accumulated 87 saves and has allowed less than a goal per game.
Ohio makes the jump up to No. 1 after the former leader Stony Brook (5-1-0) lost to Lebanon Valley 6-3 Oct. 11.
Ohio will need to prove worthy of the top spot this Friday and Saturday when it hosts a weekend series against the #3 Lindenwood University Lions (5-1-0). Lindenwood moved up one spot from the previous poll that was released Oct. 7. The Bobcats defeated the Lions in both matchups last season.
Ohio will wear camouflage jerseys for Military Appreciation weekend in the upcoming weekend series against Lindenwood.