BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana’s club hockey team split its weekend series against Ohio University, losing 4-3 Friday before winning 3-1 Saturday at Frank Southern Arena.
Friday’s opening period ended scoreless, with Indiana failing to convert either of its two power-play opportunities.
Indiana outshot Ohio 16-10 in the first period but was outshot 35-26 over the final two periods. Indiana goalie Hayden Reuhl faced 45 shots.
“He shouldn't have seen 45 shots. That's on us to get that shot count down,” said Indiana head coach Geoff Bullock.
Ohio senior Vinny Rengal opened the scoring on his own rebound with 15:43 remaining in the second period.
Jake Rock tied the game for Indiana, scoring on a loose puck with 9:21 remaining in the period.
“He is rock solid,” Bullock said. “He's always a huge help.”
Braeden Whitesell scored on a rebound with 5:49 remaining, and Luke Frost added another goal with 2:19 left to give Ohio a 3-1 lead entering the third period.
Play grew more physical over the final two periods, with both teams accumulating penalties amid several scuffles.
Colin Ruffner scored early in the third period to cut Indiana’s deficit to 3-2. Rengal answered with his second goal of the night four minutes later, restoring Ohio’s two-goal lead.
Freshman Charlie Vincent scored through the five-hole to bring Indiana within one goal. He has scored in each of the past two weekends’ series.
“Charlie's going to keep growing,” said Bullock. “Charlie Vincent is a great player and he definitely adds to the quality of our team.”
Indiana could not find the equalizer, falling 4-3.
“Well, we have to shift some guys in the lineup,” said Bullock after Friday’s loss. “And then the only way we can bounce back is to just try something new.”
Saturday’s first period also ended scoreless.
Indiana was outshot 13-6 in the first period but outshot Ohio 30-16 over the final two periods.
“I think it was just more relaxed, honestly,” senior Ben Rosenberg said.
Senior Davis Jegers opened the scoring with 15:55 remaining in the second period. Rosenberg added a goal with 3:32 left to give Indiana a 2-0 lead.
The physical play continued Saturday, with Ohio receiving seven penalties.
Both second-period goals came on the power play after Indiana failed to convert either of its two first-period opportunities Friday.
“Yeah, I think we took a lot of practice time to practice our power play,” Rosenberg said.
Ohio junior Matthew Masdonati cut Indiana’s lead to 2-1 with 16:52 remaining in the third period.
Ohio pulled its goalie with 2:22 remaining but could not find the equalizer.
Ruffner’s empty-net goal with 25 seconds remaining sealed the 3-1 victory.
“We took a faceoff. Byrum carried it up the ice, Ohio turned it over, and I just shot on net. Thought I missed,” said Ruffner.
Indiana has next weekend off before facing Purdue Northwest in a two-game series Oct. 16-17 at Frank Southern Arena.
