Syracuse v. OU Preview

Ohio vs. Syracuse preview

Ohio’s matchup this upcoming weekend against Syracuse will be a future reference for the level of play that the Bobcats will endure in the later stage of the year, as Syracuse has faced three opponents that the Bobcats will see later in the season. Ohio will host the two-game series weekend on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, both games start at 7 p.m.

Meet the opponent

Syracuse enters this series with a 6-3-1 record and currently sits in third place for the Eastern States Collegiate Hockey League. The Orange are coming off their most impressive series victory thus far into the season against Oswego State, which came into the series nearly ranked in the top 25 for the ACHA before the ‘Cuse's victories of 4-3 and 3-1.

Syracuse is led by their high production line of Jack Alecia, Sam Hutchinson and Brock Alvers as the offensive trio has accounted for 17 goals and 24 assists in just 10 games. The production of this line is one for fans and the Bobcats to watch out for, as this line continues to perform at a high level.

Syracuse averages 3.8 goals per game while allowing 3.2 goals per game. A major improvement from last year's Orange squad that allowed 4.23 goals per game, which the play of Syracuse’s goalies is the reason for this reduction.

Starting goaltender Aj Finta, who currently holds a 3-2-1 record and has a save percentage over .900 for the season has stepped up as the man between the pipes after playing eight games last season. Finta has played on a consistent basis night

in and night out as Finta should make at least one appearance in this series for the Orange if they want to leave Ohio with a victory.

Stat Leaders

Goals: Sam Hutchinson (8)

Assists: Jack Alecia (10)

Points: Jack Alecia (17)

Wins: Aj Finta (3)

Save Percentage: John Angelino (.969)

Shutouts: Aj Finta (1)

Bobcats need a hot start

Ohio came off a split series against second-ranked Adrian that had mixed results. After Thursday’s victory of 4-3 that saw the Bobcats score three straight goals in the opening period, the Bobcats were rattled by Adrian’s six goals in a seven-minute span in Friday’s matchup at Bird Arena that silenced the crowd, losing 7-3.

While winning a game against one of the top teams in the nation is boosting morale for the squad, the Bobcats will need to gather for another highly competitive series against Syracuse, and need a quick start if they want to come out victorious. Ohio has scored the first goal in five of 10 games this year and has won all five when they are the first on the board. At any point if Syracuse is rolling with momentum throughout this series, the Bobcats will need to pounce on it the first opportunity they get and swing the tide.

Jc628121@ohio.edu @JakeCollins_87