Top Ranked Icers Beat Third Ranked Ohio in Convincing Fashion

Story posted October 23, 2011 in CommRadio, Sports by Eric DeBerardinis

The top ranked Penn State Icers (4-0) proved the polls right on Friday, defeating the third ranked Ohio Bobcats (6-2) by a convincing 7-1 score.

It took just 17 seconds for Penn State to establish themselves in their newfound top spot, as Eric Steinour netted an early goal.

“It was huge,” goalie Matt Madrazo said of the quick start. “With a lead you have more confidence, and nothing to worry about.”

Some of Ohio’s struggles can be attributed to injuries. The Bobcats were short five regulars in the game.

“I think they are a little undermanned right now,” said Icers head coach Guy Gadowsky. “So for us to hop on them quickly really set the tone.”

After a barrage of chances, Jacob Friedman added another goal on the power play for the 2-0 lead. The Icers played man-up hockey quite a bit on Friday, but converted on just two of 11 power plays.

“You would like to see a little higher percentage, but I liked our movement,” said Gadowsky of the power play.

Fourth-liner Forrest Dell scored in the last few minutes of the opening period, sending the Icers into the first intermission with a 3-0 advantage.

The Penn State-Ohio matchup has long been one of the premier rivalries in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, with close games and testy play. During Penn State’s dominating performance on the ice on Friday, things got scrappy after the whistle blew on multiple occasions.

Great passing was on display all night from the Icers. A notable assist came off a centering feed from Michael Longo, setting up a goal by Tommy Olcyzk. That goal made it 4-0, and Jacob Friedman added his second of the night with under a minute left in the second period.

In the third, Penn State did not let up. Eric Stenior notched his second goal, and just 16 seconds later George Saad added on to the drubbing.

Madrazo wasn’t tested for much of the game. He held a shutout for nearly 58 minutes before allowing a late goal to Bobcat Mike Schultz. The goalie credited his teammates’ hustle in helping his solid performance.

“We are outworking them,” said Madrazo. “We’re not skating around them in circles, we are just outworking them.”

Penn State peppered Ohio with 53 shots opposed to just 22 for Ohio.

As far as the number one ranking goes, the coach doesn’t want to address it at this point.

“I don’t think it’s fair, we only played four games,” said Gadowsky.

One thing is known: Penn State took on their toughest competition yet and controlled the game.

Penn State faces Ohio again on Saturday at the Penn State Ice Pavilion. Coverage can be heard beginning at 3:30 p.m. on ComRadio.

Eric DeBerardinis is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To reach him, e-mail ejd5136@psu.edu.