Inside College Hockey | Ohio Hockey Classic Preview

January 1, 2009

Ohio Hockey Classic Preview

By James V. Dowd

Ohio Hockey Classic

Value City Arena; Columbus, Ohio

Friday, Jan. 2

Miami vs. Clarkson, 5:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State vs. Army, 8:05 p.m. ET

Saturday, Jan. 3

Army vs. Miami/Clarkson, 5:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State vs. Miami/Clarkson, 8:05 p.m. ET

LAST YEAR

Ohio State started the season very well with two victories before going through an ugly 3-13-2 stretch during the first three months of the season. The Ohio Hockey Classic didn’t turn their whole season around, but did provide the downtrodden Buckeyes with a bit of confidence from a convincing 4-2 victory over Harvard, and hard-fought 3-2 loss to Miami in the championship game.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Miami 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.

Ohio State's Zac Dalpe is among the CCHA's top-scoring freshmen.

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 Miami, and Ohio State’s Zac Dalpe, Peter Boyd, and Corey Elkins. On the back end, Miami’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 Miami and Ohio State should walk through the first round of the tournament, particularly with Miami’s skill and Ohio State’s home-ice advantage. Look for another close match-up in the championship game, with Miami’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.