Sports
Ohio Hockey Loses Shootout to Lindenwood
By: Alex Harrison
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The No. 1 Ohio Bobcats (8-0-1) were not the top team in Bird Arena on Friday as they fell to the No. 3 Lindenwood Lions (6-1-0) in an overtime shootout 5-4. The Bobcats battled from behind, scoring three goals in the third period to force overtime, but couldn’t finish in the end.
The ‘Cats struck first as Michael Harris scored with 11 minutes remaining in the first period, but Lindenwood quickly gained control back. The Lions scored four consecutive goals by four different players. After Riley Spragg’s goal to put the Lions up 4-1 in the second period, Ohio’s starting goalkeeper Aaron Alkema was pulled and junior Ryan Helton was called to finish the game. Helton changed the Bobcats momentum, not allowing a goal for the remainder of regulation.
Ohio came alive again in the third period by scoring three goals. With 19 minutes remaining in the third, Matt Rudin scored on a power play to bring the Bobcats to within two. Seventeen minutes later, Jake Faiella scored to bring the score to 4-3. With one minute remaining in regulation, Rudin scored his second goal of the period to tie the game 4-4.
The third period was strong for Ohio, but some controversy occurred that could have given an Ohio win. During the seventeen minute scoring drought, Lindenwood goalkeeper Cody Karpinski kicked out his goalpost on four promising Ohio possessions. The Lions were called for delay only on the last kick out, which led to Faiella goal.
The first overtime period resulted in a strong defensive performance for both teams as Ohio and Lindenwood could only pull off one shot each.
The second overtime period consisted of shootouts and the Green and White shot first. Rudin had the first shot and scored, but the Lions’ Michael Lozano responded with his own goal. Tyler Pecka scored for the ‘Cats on the second shot but again Kevin Walters responded for the Lions. On the third shot, Ohio’s Liam Geither had his shot blocked while Lindenwood’s Tommy Heinzmall was able to sneak his shot in to the net for the Lindenwood win.
It the first game for the Bobcats being ranked first in the ACHA and it ended as a defeat. Ohio will look to salvage the series on Saturday in a grudge match again against Lindenwood at Bird Arena.