bucknutz
OH--IO
Ohio State enters the Ohio Hockey Classic on a six-game winning streak and has won nine of its last 10 games. The team has won seven-consecutive games in Value City Arena and is 7-1-1 at home this year. It is the longest winning streak since winning six in a row Jan. 28-Feb. 12, 2005.
The buckeyes take on Army tonight, then most likely Fredo of Ohio tomorrow night. Buckeyes and Fredo of Ohio should handle Army/Clarkson pretty easily tonight to setup a 3rd match of the year saturday.
We need to get plenty of shots, be better on our power plays, and get solid play from Carlson. The buckeyes have been hot for the first half of the season, and winning their own tourney could set the tone for the second half and a great season over-all.
I will be there both nights cheering on our buckeyes which will most likely have a crowd dominated by Fredo of Ohio fans. If you need something to do please come cheer our boys on because the crowd will be a major factor.
Ohio Hockey Classic
Value City Arena; Columbus, Ohio
Friday, Jan. 2
Fredo of Ohio vs. Clarkson, 5:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State vs. Army, 8:05 p.m. ET
Saturday, Jan. 3
Army vs. Fredo of Ohio/Clarkson, 5:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State vs. Fredo of Ohio/Clarkson, 8:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State Buckeyes.com preview:
MHKY: Buckeyes Open New Year with Ohio Hockey Classic - The Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site - OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Inside College hockey preview:
Inside College Hockey | Ohio Hockey Classic Preview
The buckeyes take on Army tonight, then most likely Fredo of Ohio tomorrow night. Buckeyes and Fredo of Ohio should handle Army/Clarkson pretty easily tonight to setup a 3rd match of the year saturday.
We need to get plenty of shots, be better on our power plays, and get solid play from Carlson. The buckeyes have been hot for the first half of the season, and winning their own tourney could set the tone for the second half and a great season over-all.
I will be there both nights cheering on our buckeyes which will most likely have a crowd dominated by Fredo of Ohio fans. If you need something to do please come cheer our boys on because the crowd will be a major factor.
Ohio Hockey Classic
Value City Arena; Columbus, Ohio
Friday, Jan. 2
Fredo of Ohio vs. Clarkson, 5:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State vs. Army, 8:05 p.m. ET
Saturday, Jan. 3
Army vs. Fredo of Ohio/Clarkson, 5:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State vs. Fredo of Ohio/Clarkson, 8:05 p.m. ET
WHY IT MATTERS
The Fredo of Ohio Redhawks exceeded the expectations of most observers in the first half of the season, riding stellar freshmen goaltenders Cody Reichard and Connor Knapp to a 12-3-3 record, but are disappointed to have lost the CCHA?s top spot to Notre Dame on the strength of the Fighting Irish?s extra shootout win. The difference thus far? An Ohio State shootout win on the opening night of CCHA play. Look for the Buckeyes to come out strong, wanting to defend their home ice and jump-start their second half. Both Army and Clarkson have struggled severely in the first half, and will be looking to save face.
WHO TO WATCH
This tournament appears to boil down to the Buckeyes and Redhawks, and, mainly, their respective forwards and goaltenders. A lot will be riding on whether Dustin Carlson can continue to be the answer for Ohio State?s previous goaltending woes, and whether Knapp and Reichard can carry their team on an offensive off-night. Up front, focus on Carter Camper and Justin Mercier for Fredo of Ohio, and Ohio State?s Zac Dalpe, Peter Boyd, and Corey Elkins. On the back end, Fredo of Ohio's Kevin Roeder is the premier defenseman in the tournament, and freshman blueliner Chris Wideman has been a great contributor as well, compiling 15 assists.
Clarkson, which is in the midst of an 11-game winless streak, has been beset by injuries this season. One encouraging note has been the play of the team?s top scorers, sophomore forwards Scott Freeman, Lauri Tuohimaa, and Brandon DeFazio, all of whom have nearly eclipsed their freshman point totals. Army, meanwhile, has lost seven of its last eight. Senior goaltender Josh Kassel, an All-American in 2007-08, has struggled mightily, posting a 2-7-0 record, a 4.11 goals against average, and an .862 save percentage.
HOW WE SEE IT
Both Fredo of Ohio and Ohio State should walk through the first round of the tournament, particularly with Fredo of Ohio's skill and Ohio State?s home-ice advantage. Look for another close match-up in the championship game, with Fredo of Ohio's offensive relentlessness overcoming a strong performance from Carlson, and the Redhawks gaining some confidence as they maneuver to overcome Notre Dame in the CCHA standings.
inside college hockey.com
Ohio State Buckeyes.com preview:
MHKY: Buckeyes Open New Year with Ohio Hockey Classic - The Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site - OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Inside College hockey preview:
Inside College Hockey | Ohio Hockey Classic Preview
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