The Buckeyes dampened St. Cloud’s spirits last weekend, and the Ohio State women’s ice hockey team looks to extend its winning streak to three as it welcomes Bemidji State to the OSU Ice Rink today and tomorrow.
“We’re still staying focused on the little things,” coach Jackie Barto said. “We’ve been on the road a lot. We’re excited to be home.”
Following a nearly four-week road trip, junior center Jennifer Desson said the Buckeyes are ready to play on familiar ice.
“It’s always fun to play at home,” she said.
The Buckeyes are 3-1 in their last four games, and another double-win weekend would make them even for the season.
“We knew the first six weeks were going to be tough,” junior goalie Melissa Glaser said. “Before Christmas, we want to be .500.”
OSU sits at 3-5-0 in WCHA play. Desson said the Buckeyes are optimistic and expected the slow start.
“We definitely had a tough schedule and we’re doing the best with what we’ve been given,” she said.
Nevertheless, Glaser said OSU has developed more confidence as a result of the wins.
“We knew we could do it,” she said. “Practice this week has just been great.”
OSU last saw Bemidji State in the WCHA tournament where it defeated the Beavers 4-3 in overtime. Bemidji State is winless in the WCHA and is 1-8-1 overall, but Barto said fans can expect a high-tempo match-up.
“They’ve always been a tough battle for us,” Barto said.
Desson said the Beavers are a difficult squad to beat and OSU needs to be ready to play 60 minutes of hockey.
“They’re a hard-working team,” she said.
The Buckeyes will also need more individual efforts than last weekend. Desson scored three goals for the second time this season against St. Cloud Nov. 14, and senior wing Heather Farrell scored all three goals for OSU on Saturday. Freshman goalie Erika Vanderveer recorded her first shutout Nov. 14 and was named Rookie of the Week.
“As always, (we) try to do the little things right,” Glaser said.
Barto said the Buckeyes have shown definite improvement since the first game and hope to build on the wins.
“Our special teams have really come along,” she said.
Desson said she expects the Buckeyes to build off the victories.
“Hopefully it’s a step in the right direction,” Desson said.
The puck drops in the OSU Ice Rink at 7:05 tonight and 4:05 p.m. tomorrow, but fans should bring more than Buckeye spirit. OSU is sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive to benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and those attending the games are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items.
