Sports
Ohio Dominates Matchup of Ranked Teams
By: Robbie Dipaola
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In a much-anticipated matchup of two of the top-ranked teams in the ACHA, the 7th-ranked Ohio Bobcats were ready to go from the opening puck drop as they cruised to an 8-0 victory over the 8th-ranked Colorado Buffaloes.
Ohio wasted little time getting on the board in the first period as freshman Gianni Evangelisti scored his first goal of the season. Getting the early lead was something head coach Sean Hogan wanted to see happen.
“A key all week was lets jump on them as early as we possibly can and come out guns blazing and I think we did that tonight.” Hogan said after the game.
Ohio would go on to add three more goals in the final nine minutes of the period to take a commanding 4-0 lead into the first intermission.
Colorado, who was coming of a game against Lindenwood on Thursday night, never really could get anything going throughout the game as it was evident the Buffaloes were feelings the affects of their cross-country road trip and playing just 24 hours earlier.
Much of the same took place in the second period, as Ohio continued to outwork and out compete Colorado is seemingly every phase of the game.
Sophomore Matt Rudin scored his fifth goal of the season to put the Bobcats ahead 5-0 midway through the second period. Evangelisti and senior captain Matt Hartman each tallied a goal late in the period to put Ohio up 7-0 after two periods.
For Evangelisti, his goal in the second period was his third of the game, which gave him a hat trick on the night.
“It’s always nice getting on the score sheet but the last couple weekends I felt me and my line mates played well and did the little things right and finally it paid off tonight, got some bounces so overall it was a good night.” Evangelisti said.
The third period saw little action, as the result of the game no longer in doubt. The frustration grew for Colorado throughout final 20 minutes, which was more than likely due to fatigue setting in for the Colorado players.
A key moment took place midway through the final period when Colorado was awarded a penalty shot. Freshman goaltender Jimmy Thomas, who has performed well in net so far this season, was more than up to the task and was able to successfully deny Colorado from getting on the board.
“That’s why you play goalie, you live for moments like that where all eyes are on us and you have one chance,” Thomas said. “There is no better feeling than stopping a penalty shot and then your team comes and gives you love after that.”
Ohio would go on to add on one more goal in the final period, this one coming off the stick of Grant Hazel on the power play. The final score was a surprise for everyone involved but the outcome was what the team had hoped for, a victory over a quality opponent at home.
Hogan said after the game that he is well aware that Colorado will come out tomorrow and look to right the ship after a down performance from their whole team tonight.
“They are going to come out and try to take heads off tomorrow so we have to be ready to go from the drop of the puck,” Hogan said. “Because they are going to come out flying tomorrow trying to really put hits on guys.”
Ohio and Colorado will face off again on Saturday at 7:30.