Post by victor2111 on Oct 8, 2009 15:28:50 GMT -5
From dispatch:
Men's hockey: Experienced OSU looks for a big year
Usually, young and inexperienced is an accurate description of the Ohio State men's hockey team. In recent seasons, the Buckeyes have been full of youth, and the lack of familiarity and ice time was evident early.
Those adjectives almost could depict this year's team. Ohio State has one senior. Its roster is still lined with sophomores and freshmen. But it's not missing experience.
Ohio State has virtually its entire team returning from last season, when it overcame a slow start to reach the NCAA Tournament. It has back 20 letter winners, 14 of its top 15 scorers and a reliable goaltender in Dustin Carlson.
Those factors have the Buckeyes thinking they could be on the verge of a big season as they open with a series tonight and Friday against Quinnipiac in Value City Arena.
"For once, I'm returning a bit of a veteran team," coach John Markell said. "We are still a relatively young team, with just one senior in Mathieu Picard. Our 13-member junior class has gained a tremendous amount of experience playing in all situations. It's been my experience that when you move from your sophomore to junior season, you expect it to be a 'pop' year."
Several players, regardless of class, popped on the scene last season, most notably Carlson. He emerged as the No. 1 goaltender and provided stability, a reason why Ohio State nearly doubled its win total from 2007-08.
"He competes very, very hard," Markell said. "He came in here looking for an opportunity to get between the pipes, and when he did, he took off."
Carlson's return helps ease some of Markell's anxiety. So does the talent that returns on offense. John Albert, who had 28 assists and 39 points last season, is back. Five players who had at least 25 points also return.
Their experience could lead them to put up similar numbers this season, but only if the Buckeyes improve their special teams. Ohio State was weak on the power play and took penalties at unfortunate times last season. The flaw reappeared Sunday, when the Buckeyes were called for 12 penalties in an exhibition game against Western Ontario.
"Too many penalties usually loses the game, and we got a taste of that early," junior Peter Boyd said. "Hopefully, we can learn from that mistake quick."
If the Buckeyes do, they can be strong from the start and contend for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association title.
"We're trying to make our new identity with a new team, so that's good," Boyd said. "We have a good bunch of guys who are willing to do the extra stuff to make the team good, so it's an exciting time."
Men's hockey: Experienced OSU looks for a big year
Usually, young and inexperienced is an accurate description of the Ohio State men's hockey team. In recent seasons, the Buckeyes have been full of youth, and the lack of familiarity and ice time was evident early.
Those adjectives almost could depict this year's team. Ohio State has one senior. Its roster is still lined with sophomores and freshmen. But it's not missing experience.
Ohio State has virtually its entire team returning from last season, when it overcame a slow start to reach the NCAA Tournament. It has back 20 letter winners, 14 of its top 15 scorers and a reliable goaltender in Dustin Carlson.
Those factors have the Buckeyes thinking they could be on the verge of a big season as they open with a series tonight and Friday against Quinnipiac in Value City Arena.
"For once, I'm returning a bit of a veteran team," coach John Markell said. "We are still a relatively young team, with just one senior in Mathieu Picard. Our 13-member junior class has gained a tremendous amount of experience playing in all situations. It's been my experience that when you move from your sophomore to junior season, you expect it to be a 'pop' year."
Several players, regardless of class, popped on the scene last season, most notably Carlson. He emerged as the No. 1 goaltender and provided stability, a reason why Ohio State nearly doubled its win total from 2007-08.
"He competes very, very hard," Markell said. "He came in here looking for an opportunity to get between the pipes, and when he did, he took off."
Carlson's return helps ease some of Markell's anxiety. So does the talent that returns on offense. John Albert, who had 28 assists and 39 points last season, is back. Five players who had at least 25 points also return.
Their experience could lead them to put up similar numbers this season, but only if the Buckeyes improve their special teams. Ohio State was weak on the power play and took penalties at unfortunate times last season. The flaw reappeared Sunday, when the Buckeyes were called for 12 penalties in an exhibition game against Western Ontario.
"Too many penalties usually loses the game, and we got a taste of that early," junior Peter Boyd said. "Hopefully, we can learn from that mistake quick."
If the Buckeyes do, they can be strong from the start and contend for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association title.
"We're trying to make our new identity with a new team, so that's good," Boyd said. "We have a good bunch of guys who are willing to do the extra stuff to make the team good, so it's an exciting time."
Rumors are starting to fly about our Head coach John Marckel geten da boot. We have the best facility in the NCAA IMO an a less than mediocre results page.