BLOG 42: No doubt about effort, Bulldogs get one point

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris’ hockey team celebrates a goal during Saturday’s home game against Ohio State in Ewigleben Ice Arena (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris was prepared to host one of the premier teams in the nation and one of the hottest teams in the nation: Ohio State.

The Buckeyes entered the series ranked 14th nationally in Division I college ice hockey and riding a 10-game winning streak. Well, the winning streak improved to 11 (with a 6-2 win Friday), but now the winning streak must be termed an “unbeaten streak” of 12 as the Bulldogs salvaged a 2-2 tie (with a 1-0 shootout loss) in Ewigleben Ice Arena on Saturday.

It’s tough to question the effort of the Bulldogs through much of that series against the Buckeyes. Friday, Ohio State feasted (during spurts) on some second and third chances in and around the crease off rebounds to bang pucks into the net against Bulldog goaltenders Pat Nagle and Taylor Nelson inside Ewigleben.

Saturday, the Bulldogs did a better job controlling rebounds and the defensemen and forwards were stronger around the net to keep the Buckeyes from crashing the net so hard for those second and third shots.

Offensively, the Bulldogs needed one more bounce to go its way to get the win.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com