For the first time since 2009, Ohio State men's hockey secured a bid into the NCAA tournament. After a 3-2, overtime loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the West Region, however, seven Buckeyes had played their final games.
Forwards Nick Schilkey and David Gust, defensemen Drew Brevig and Josh Healey, and goaltenders Christian Frey, Matt Tomkins and Logan Davis all wore the Scarlet and Gray sweater for the last time that night — leaving a large hole in coach Steve Rohlik's roster.
The future for this group of seven is bright, though, as Healey signed an entry level contract with the Calgary Flames in March and I'm sure a handful will have their names called
With this in mind, you would think that Ohio State would have a difficult time repeating the success of a 21-win season, the program's most victories in eight years. However, the Buckeyes return an experienced core of players in all positions, including All-American forward Mason Jobst.
A Speedway, Indiana native, Jobst concluded his sophomore season atop the Big Ten statistics in the points (55) and assists (36), and tied for fifth in goals (19). At one point in the season, he went on a tear where he record a point in 14-straight games to help propel the Buckeyes to big results in the middle of the season.
Additionally outside of Jobst, forwards Dakota Joshua and Tanner Laczynski are bright spots of the Scarlet and Gray attack. Joshua was a massive asset to the Buckeyes down the stretch and finished the season with 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) while the quick-handed Laczynski capped his freshman season with 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists)
On the defensive end, Ohio State also returns a solid group of blue liners. Defenseman Sasha Larocque finished seventh in the Big Ten with 68 blocked shots, while also posting nine points on one goal and eight assists. His teammate Matt Joyaux also pitched in 58 blocks and 11 points on three goals and eight assists.
The largest loss for the Buckeyes came at the goaltender position, where all three on the roster were lost to graduation. Despite this, Ohio State has two recruits at the position lined up to come in for the 2017-2018 season.
A large amount of turnover may cause the Scarlet and Gray to adjust to new relationships on the ice, but I see no reason why Rohlik's program shouldn't have another successful season.
The Buckeyes will open the year with a series at Wisconsin on Oct. 6-7, and will play Notre Dame twice next season as the Irish join the Big Ten conference in hockey. Ohio State commences its conference slate on Nov. 24-25 on the road at Michigan before hosting its next eight contests.
ICYMI: Buckeyes announced their 2017-18 schedule today.
— Ohio State M Hockey (@OhioState_MHKY) May 4, 2017
Details: https://t.co/k8Bko2U9Vi
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