#5 Ohio at #4 Delaware - Preview

After splitting a series last weekend against Penn State, the Ohio University hockey team is faced with another tough test this weekend on the road in the undefeated and fourth ranked Delaware Blue Hens.

The Blue Hens are led by coach Michael DeAngelis, who is a personal friend of Ohio Head Coach Dan Morris, and speaks very highly of both the Ohio hockey program, and coach Morris himself.

I really like the style they play, it’s the epitome of hockey,” DeAngelis said. “They do a really good job of showcasing the talent of the ACHA.”

As for Coach Morris, DeAngelis said he believes Morris is the best coach in the ACHA. “I really hold him in high regard,” DeAngelis said.

The Bobcats played two physical games last weekend against Penn State, winning 2-1 on Friday night, but dropping Saturday night’s contest 4-3 in overtime.

“The guys handled it great last week,” said Morris. “I feel like we outplayed them both nights, we just didn’t get the result we wanted Saturday night, but we’re a team looking to improve, so any chance we get to play good competition, we look forward to it.”

Morris said that they do not prepare any differently for a game of such great stature, but use the games as a test to see where the team is, and what they need to work on. “Good teams expose those things,” he said.

Delaware Coach Michael DeAngelis said although they try to keep things business as usual for games like this, they may pull out a few extra things they wouldn’t use against an unranked opponent.

“Ohio plays a hard-nosed, physical brand of hockey,” said DeAngelis. They’re built to punish.”

One advantage DeAngelis feels his team has is that Delaware plays on an Olympic-sized sheet of ice, compared to the smaller 190' by 85' rink size that OU is accustomed to.

As far as keys to victory for his team, DeAngelis said discipline would be huge. “We don’t want to put them on the power play,” he said. “Good teams are great because of special teams.”

Offensively, the Bobcats are looking to improve on finishing their chances, and putting the puck in the net, said Morris.

“We need to concentrate for 60 minutes,” said the coach. “We look forward to the opportunity in front of us.”