Men’s Club Hockey at Indiana University defeated Ohio University, the defending American Collegiate Hockey Association champion, 3-1 on Saturday.
After falling 4-3 to Ohio the night before, the Hoosiers returned to the ice to face the Bobcats. The two teams have competed annually for four seasons.
The first period Saturday started slow, with no points scored by either team. The Bobcats made several attempts to score, but Indiana sophomore goaltender Evan Tompkins blocked every shot.
There were multiple penalties throughout the game, and Indiana scored its first point off one in the second period. Senior forward Jake Rock provided an assist to senior forward Davis Jegers, who directed a shot into the net.
The second period saw more than three scuffles over its 20 minutes. Senior forward Ben Rosenberg gave Indiana a two-point lead against the Bobcats to end the second period.
As the final period went on, Indiana’s lead boosted team morale. Rosenberg and senior forward Colin Ruffner said the team played more “loosely” and “more relaxed” than in Friday night’s game.
But soon after, an Ohio player attempted a shot. Tompkins successfully blocked the shot the first time, but another Bobcat was able to push it back into the goal.
Scuffles between the players continued throughout the third period, with both teams receiving multiple penalties. Tompkins continued blocking flying pucks and stayed on guard as players fought behind the net.
Shortly after a final penalty by Ohio removed its goalie, Ruffner scored a goal from halfway across the rink — a direct shot into the net — with no goaltender guarding the Bobcats’ goal. Ruffner made the clean shot with seconds to spare, bringing the final score to a winning 3-1.
