Ohio Hockey Hall of Fame
Do you know an individual who has made an extraordinary impact on Ohio Hockey? The Ohio Hockey Hall of Fame is seeking nominations to honor players, coaches, and contributors who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and dedication to the game.
Whether it’s a legendary player, a groundbreaking coach, or a devoted volunteer who went above and beyond, this is your opportunity to recognize their achievements and preserve their legacy!
Induction Form & Submission
Send nominations to Head Coach, Barry Schutte, at schutteb@ohio.edu and the Blueline Booster Alumni Chair, Lex Tisdale, at five4fighting@columbus.rr.com.
2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Rob "Doc" Wade
"Robb Wade is the only person to have been involved with the Ice Hockey Program as a Player, Head Coach, and Faculty Advisor. As a player, he was a wizard with the puck, having a sniper shot, and a player maker's touch. He took more pride in his passing ability than his scoring. For several years after his graduation, he remained the all-time Ohio Hockey Assists Leader. He was a smooth skater and always loved to be around the facility. He enjoyed giving back to the game and was a volunteer coach for various Athens Minor Minor Hockey Association and teams.
As a Graduate Student, he helped the program by securing sponsors, generating revenue through various fundraising projects, managing the ice arena and golf course. He also promoted the team and increased attendance through various avenues.
Doc made a smooth transition from player to assistant coach in the 1990-91 season, quickly earning the respect of the team in that role through his understanding of the game and handling personalities and day-to-day issues. The next season ('91-92), the first season in a decade to focus on the recruitment and development of the undergraduate players, Doc was able to usher in a new era and enthusiasm for the program that built momentum for the first of a series of National Championships."
Todd "Bubba" Smith
"Todd Smith was an outstanding defenseman during the late 80's. He not only excelled defensively, but he also anchored the power play and had a booming shot from the point. He was a rugged player and played the game with grit. There are a few things to look for in a teammate - character, leadership, toughness, and someone who has your back. Todd had all those things. Most importantly, the bigger the game, the bigger he played. His combination of strength, brute force and set of exceptionally soft hands made him a standout on defense. He was not afraid to mix it up or defend a teammate. A tone-setting nasty streak on the ice completed Bubba's skill set to be effective on the power play, penalty kill, or at full strength. Bubba was an apt nickname. He was someone you always wanted on the ice for his calming presence and ability to shut down dangerous offensive players. Todd truly reflects what it meant to be a Bobcat, and he is deserving of this honor."
Tom Bartz
"Tom Bartz brought a unique and necessary set of skills to the Ohio University Hockey team. Bartzy had a tremendous wrist shot that was accurate from anywhere in the offensive zone. He also had great vision on the ice which allowed him to make great passes in all three zones. He was a gifted skater, and the coaching staff was able to use him both power plays and short man situations. Tom had an extremely hard and accurate shot, which helped him produce points on the power play.
Tom led the team in goals his freshman year with 19. He had two 4-goal games in big-time situations, one in an 11-0 win against Penn State for third place in the 1987 National Tournament in Tuscon; and a second time aginst Wisconsin Whitewater in pool play in 1990 in Athens. He averaged 1.65 points per game and finished his time at OU with 102 goals and 190 points. Coach Tony Martindale labeled his style as "relentless; never say die." Tom was a consistent performer and strong skating two-way player, with a quick shot that caught goalies off guard.
Tom was a sound hockey player with an excellent grasp on the strategies and nuances of the game. He was exceptional, defensively, and was a great team player on and off of the ice. He meshed well with the undergraduate students and the graduate alike. Tom was an amazing teammate and leader on the team. He is deserving and worthy addition to Ohio University Hockey Hall of Fame."
Greg Griffin
"Greg Griffin played for Ohio from the 1974 through 1979 seasons. He wore the A in the 1976-77 campaign, and then the C from 1977 through 1979. He won MCHL First Team honors in the 78-79 season. While he joked that he barely made the team in 1974 because of the departure of all the Canadian players, because of the loss of funding from loosing NCAA status, he was instrumental in Ohio's first Midwest Collegiate Hockey League title in 1978-79, which marked the beginning of the renaissance of OU Hockey. Griff was a hard-nosed player who also had a unique talent for being in the open. All one had to accomplish offensively was to get the puck from the opponent (easy) and get it to him (easier) at which time usually recieved an assist (easiest). He was a freewheeler in open ice and a bulldog in the corners. He was also a player who routinely used the area behind the net strategically. He was known to intentionally bounce the puck of the goaltenders back and into the net.
Griff was a true leader by example and from out front. His determination dedication and resolve were addicted and it was not hard to be gathered into his orbit making everyone around him want to be better themselves. Greg Griffin is a true Hall-Of-Famer."
Rowland Alexander "Lex" Tisdale Jr.
"Lex came to Ohio University in 1979 enjoying successful seasons from 1979 to 1983, only retiring from the team to advance his engineering degree. Lex was a powerful force as a defenseman clearing the front of the net providing a powerful physical presence in the corners, and providing support and direction on the ice. He was an accomplished passer and playmaker in his own right. Lex provided ongoing mentorship and enhanced the lives of players around him from rookies coming in to the Seniors on their way out. He treated everyone with respect and rest-assured if you wore the green and white he considered you a teammate and a friend. Lex once sat next to a teammate to encourage him to apply appropriate punishment to an opposing player. When told he only wanted to hit the person to "rub him off the puck or slow him down," Lex, in typical fashion responded that it "was the dumbest thing ever." And that "if your going to hit someone, make it worthwhile." He was an imposing figure on the ice, there were few players at that time who were his size and even fewer who were his size coupled with his talent.
Lex has continued his support and leadership to the Ohio Hockey Program through the Blueline Boosters assisting with coach and coaching staff recruitment, stewardship of the Ohio Hockey Hall of Fame, and as an organizer of both Alumni weekends and player interaction. Lex remains instrumental in the Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology, where he is involved in internship programs for students, advisement, and training programs as a member of the Russ College Board of Visitors.
Lex was and is a great teammate to those he played with and a great teammate to everyone associated with the program with whom he has come in contact. He has over 40 years of providing Ohio University and Ohio University Hockey his dedication, leadership, and resolve. Simply put, he has earned the honor."
Gorgon McCance
"Gordon tended the pipes for the 1985-86 season where his play helped guide the Bobcats to their best finish at the time for a third place at the National Tournament. During the 1985-86 season, Gordon set a single season win record of 17-5 with a .921 Save Percentage. Gordon was named to the Second Team All-Tournament at the National Club Championships in Tucson, AZ. He was also named to the All-Tournament Team at Penn State where he played a stellar championship game won by the Cats 4-3 in overtime.
In 1986-87, the Cats had a rough season Gordon finished with a save percentage right at .90%. He made forty-six saves in the 5-3 suprise win against Norrth Dakota State earning another Second Team All-Tourament Honor. During the 1986-87 National Torunament, Gordon tended the net for one of the biggest wins ever in Bobcat history as they beat the defending National Champions North Dakota State. The Bobcats took third at Nationals with McCance as tendy.
It is hard to judge a goalie when compared to a forward or defenseman. Save percentages are great, but when play is in your end for more than 80% of the time, these stats can go out of the window. Goalies are different. They really are. Their skillsets are different, their situational awareness is different, their preparation is different, and with the very job they do, the last line of defense an error is usually a goal, a missed play is a goal. Teammate Shawn Maley said of Gord, "Goalies must be different from their teammates because of the position and role they play requires them to do so. Gordon was a pure goalie in every sense of that description. He owned the net. That was his house, and you were not getting anything into that house if he had anything to do with it."
2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
Travis Preble
"Travis was a teammate of mine during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 campaigns and the best player I played with during my career. From the moment Travis set foot on the ice at Bird Arena he was the #1 defenseman on our team. His skating ability, hockey sense, and shot along with his grittiness made him a nightmare for opposing teams to play against. When Travis joined our defense corps, we went from a team that could make it to the national championship game to a team that could win the national championship game. Travis elevated everyone on the teams play through his intensity in practice and in games. Travis was a key piece of our 2004 ACHA National Championship team and solidified his stature as an elite ACHA defenseman by twice being selected to represent Ohio University on Team USA at the 2005 and 2007 Winter World University Games. Travis was a great teammate, and he is deserving of a place int the Hall of Fame." -Paul Guthrie
Steve Betsko
"He was a role player. He was a leader. He represented the University and program with “Lead by Example” effort. His character was evident every time he stepped on the ice in games or practices. You always knew Steve was there to put out 100% effort and he made sure everyone else was putting out that same effort whether they wanted to or not. Steve played many years for Ohio University. Back in those days, the league was less stringent in making sure no one player played more than 4 years. Steve was a freshman for the 1978-1979 team and this team was loaded with seniors. The next year (my freshman year) 1979-1980, Steve was integral in not only transforming many new freshmen into Ohio University style Hockey players but also helped lead this team to a MCHL league and tournament championship all the while being awarded the MCHL tournament MVP. Steve went on to play on a total of six teams and continued to drive those teams to successful seasons including 2 more MCHL tournament championships, one more MCHL League championship, and was awarded assistant captain on two of those teams. From a teammate standpoint, Steve was one of those players that, at times, drove us nuts. He was always driving his effort to extreme levels. He didn’t know how to play at half speed. Every practice, every game, everything Steve did was to full speed, and it forced you to play at that level. Steve seemed to enjoy wind sprints and conditioning and while Steve will tell you he didn’t like them any more than anyone else, if you were on the ice, you would see Steve putting out the effort every drill and every play. A bit like the military, “Thank you sir, may I have another”. This attitude transferred directly into our play, and it forced us to be a better team and get the best out of all of us. I nominated Steve as a candidate because he best represents Ohio Hockey, not because he scored more goals than anyone else, not because he led the team in points, but because he best represents the hard work, effort, and commitment to winning that has made Ohio University Hockey great for over 50 years. Players like Steve are the real reason we have a reputation of being a strong, tough to beat program at Ohio University." -Lex Tisdale
Mike Pokorney
"Mike was a dynamic player and a prolific goal scorer. It's a rare beast that allows you to simply put the puck in their vicinity and they'll figure out how to get it in the net. A considerable portion of his time at OU as a player was on a team considered independent, where regional or national notoriety is significantly harder to develop. In addition to his talents as a player, he was and is a good teammate, and a good person, with a solid work ethic that was observed and imitated by others. Make no mistake about the difficulty associated with transitioning OU Hockey from national prominence to club status, and back. Mike, his coaches, and his teams, were truly unheralded stars in that regard. He also helped the program by creating an additional Pokorney that was a valuable component of another collection of great teams. Let's give a great hockey player an honor that he earned." -Steve Betsko
Jay Burzynski
"Jay was the captain when I came to OU Hockey my freshman year in 1983, Jay possessed all the skill levels necessary in playing the game, a very solid overall defensemen, a very good skater, a very good set of shooting skills (wrist shot, slap hot, backhand, etc.), a very physical player, he was a great team leader not only by example but he also was able to mesh together a new era of OU Hockey that brought in Canadian Graduate students mixed with both new and some existing American players, and at the end of the year placed 3rd in the National Championships in Huntsville Alabama.
I’m not just nominating Jay because of his hockey skills, talents, and his on-ice accomplishments he always demonstrated, but more so for what he did off the ice for both his fellow players and the Athens community as a whole.
Jay spent many hours of his own time during the winter breaks (every year) hosting Hockey schools for the youth of Athens, this included coaching and guiding them as a respected role model, which he understood and knew all about. Jay recruited 3 or 4 of us to assist and through his leadership we taught these kids the fundamentals of hockey, passing, skating/working hard, shooting, team play and more so through 1 on 1 conversations with these kids, life in general, and how to be a good and contributing person for all.
Jay has and always will be committed to giving back, rather than expecting something from someone, he’s worked hard for everything he’s accomplished in life and made not only his peers better people, but all who he comes in contact with, especially with the youth or next generation of people, I’ve seen and personally witnessed this and been a part of it with him firsthand.
It is my greatest hope in all sincerity, that Jay Burzynski will be inducted with the class of 2015, though I’m very proud of what I was able to accomplish during my tenure with OU Hockey as a player and such, I more so want to be able to take my daughter Logan (who just turned 5) down to Athens and show her Jay’s place in OU history and tell her about who he was, is, what he stood/stands for, and explain how much of a positive influence he’s been on my life as well. Jay is the perfect candidate from my era and deserves a place in OU hockey history and being placed into the Hall of Fame will do exactly that." -Rod Alt
Anne Oberlin
"Anne has served on the Blueline Boosters Board since 2007. For many of those years she was President of the Board. She has organized and coordinated several the activities that have helped the team, including arranging for food for the road trips of the team. She has been a great conduit of information between the D2 team and the Blueline Boosters. She has organized many of the outreach activities of the Boosters: the annual awards picnic; the season beginning meet the team even; worked with the OU Alumni Association to provide support for our annual alumni events, including the Hall of Fame week-ends: and organized the annual Senior Night. Even after her long term as board president ended, she has continued to be an active board member. She is certainly a shining example of what “Meritorious Service” means." -Marvin Fletcher
2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
Jim Gilmore
"Jim Gilmore served as an advisor for the Ohio University Ohio Hockey team for 18 years. Jim retired in December 2005 as the executive director of the Division of Campus Recreation. He was instrumental in the transitional process of the program from a varsity to a club sport. Jim helped Ohio become a founding member of the American College Hockey Association (ACHA) and has been a part of four national championships. When asked what it means to be inducted into the OHIO Hockey Hall of Fame, Jim replied, “It is a tremendous honor. The hockey program is very important to me and I feel privileged to have been part of the program for almost 20 years.”
Paul Marshall
"Goaltender Paul Marshall currently holds eight goaltending records at Ohio University. They include, most career wins (72), most single season wins (29), lowest career goal against average (2.04), highest career save percentage (.922), most career shutouts (15), tied for most single season shutouts (6), most career saves (2395), and highest single season saves (933).
Marshall also earned numerous awards during his tenure at OHIO Hockey, including earning a spot on the USA Hockey National University Team that competed in the Winter World University Games in Harbin, China in 2009. He was also named the Central States Collegiate Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player in the 2009-2010 season.
Former head coach and Hall of Fame class member Dan Morris noted, “It is a thrill for me to see Paul Marshall selected to be inducted into the OHIO Hockey Hall of Fame. Paul was a tremendous talent, outstanding leader and ferocious competitor. His talent at the goaltending position gave us a chance to win every night. It was truly an honor to coach Paul at OHIO. His selection as the 2010 Player of the Year further solidified his spot as one of the greats to play hockey for the Bobcats. His induction to the OHIO Hockey Hall of Fame is well deserved.”
Tyler Pilmore
"Tyler Pilmore was an outstanding two-way player for OHIO during the 2009-2013 seasons. He accumulated many league awards during his time here consisting of 2010 ACHA All-Rookie Team, 2011 ACHA 3rd Team All-American, 2011 Member of the US National Team at the World University Games in Turkey, 2012 ACHA 2nd Team All-American, and 2013 ACHA 1st Team All-American. As well, Tyler holds the OHIO Hockey records of Career Leader in Assists (161) and Ohio Bobcat Career Leader in Points (227). Tyler was a CSCHL Regular Season Champion in 2010, where his team currently holds the record for most wins in a season (34). Tyler was also a two-time CSCHL Tournament Champion in 2011 and 2013 as a captain. You can find these banners hanging from the rafters of Bird Arena.
Nick Rostek, a former teammate, stated that “Tyler was unbelievably relentless on the ice. His determination and work ethic were something I had never seen before. His legs never stopped moving when he was on the ice. He was an incredible leader who was constantly working to better himself and the team. He never took a day off, he never made excuses and was always willing to do whatever was necessary to help the team succeed. He was the type of player that you wanted to play with and the type of person you wanted to be around. Tyler pushed others to be better and he brought out the best of those around him on and off the ice. He was just an extremely respectful, humble person and a talented, hardworking hockey player who is very deserving of this honor.”
After his time with OHIO Hockey, Tyler went on to play professionally in the East Coast Hockey League for the Wheeling Nailers and the Toledo Walleye. He also played for the Peoria Rivermen of the SPHL."
Bill Roen
"Bill Roen was an outstanding two way player for OHIO from 1994-1998. So outstanding in fact, he was named First Team All American defenseman in 1996-1997 and then a First Team All American forward in 1997-1998. As a player Bill helped OHIO Hockey to three consecutive ACHA National Championships from 1994-1997.
Craig McCarthy stated, “Bill has been one of the best defensemen to play in the ACHA. He had all the attributes of a great player. His speed and strength were a commanding force in our defensive zone. His hockey IQ brought considerable aspects to our offensive game. Numerous games Bill was the most dominant player on the ice. Bill’s leadership on-and-off the ice was critical during the championship years.” Roen finished his career with OHIO with 46 goals, 99 assists and 145 points in 121 career games."