Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey
Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey has been an integral part of the Buckeye Nation since 1963. The team competes in the Big Ten Conference and has made it to the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament ten times. Ohio State has produced countless NHL players such as Ryan Kesler, R.J. Umberger, and Zach Werenski. With a rich history, the Buckeyes have cemented themselves as one of the premier teams in college hockey.
A Look Back on Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey History
The Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team has been around for nearly six decades. The team's first coach was Don Clark, who was instrumental in establishing Buckeye hockey. The Buckeyes' first season was a rough one, as they finished with a 3-15 record. However, the team persevered, and in 1971, they won their first Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) championship.
Over the years, the Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team has seen numerous conference affiliations, including the CCHA, Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), and Big Ten. Despite the changes, the Buckeyes have remained a competitive force in college hockey.
The Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey Team Achievements
The Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team has many accomplishments under their belt. They have won a total of four conference championships, including three in the CCHA and one in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have also made it to the NCAA tournament ten times, with their best showing in 1998, where they made it to the Frozen Four.
The Buckeyes have produced top-tier players such as Dave Steckel, Ryan Kesler, and R.J. Umberger. Zach Werenski, who played for the Buckeyes from 2015-2016, won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey's most prestigious individual award.
The Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey Team Today
The current Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team is led by head coach Steve Rohlik. Rohlik has been with the Buckeyes since 2010, and under his leadership, the team has seen great success. In 2018, the Buckeyes won their first-ever Big Ten tournament championship.
The Buckeyes have a roster of talented players, both young and experienced. Senior Carson Meyer was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the 2019-2020 season. Sophomore Gustaf Westlund had a breakout season, leading the team in points and earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Game Day Experience at Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey
Watching the Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team play is an experience like no other. The team plays their home games at the Schottenstein Center, located on Ohio State's campus. The arena seats over 17,000 people and is known for its raucous crowds.
The Buckeyes' game day experience is top-notch, with pre-game festivities, giveaways, and promotions. Fans can also enjoy food and beverages from the numerous concession stands located throughout the arena. And of course, no Ohio State game would be complete without the traditional "O-H-I-O" chant that echoes throughout the stadium.
Final Thoughts
The Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team has a rich history filled with accomplishments and talented players. The current team is no exception, with a talented roster and a skilled coaching staff. Watching the Buckeyes play at the Schottenstein Center is an experience that any college hockey fan should not miss. The tradition and passion that surrounds the Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Ice Hockey team are truly one-of-a-kind.