Eric Boggs
Ohio State hockey fans were treated to a thrilling weekend as both the men’s and women’s teams skated to memorable performances at the historic Wrigley Field during the Frozen Confines series. Building on the Buckeye football team’s dominant win over Northwestern at the same venue in November, Ohio State hockey made its mark, showcasing resilience, skill, and grit against fierce Big Ten rivals.
The men’s team kicked off the weekend with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Michigan on Friday. Facing an early deficit, the Buckeyes displayed tenacity, erasing a 2-0 Michigan lead with late-second-period goals by Sam Deckhut and Noah Powell. The Wolverines struck again in the third, but Riley Thompson stole the spotlight, netting two power-play goals, including the game-winner with just 38 seconds remaining. Goalie Kristoffer Eberly was a wall between the pipes, making 31 saves to secure the win.
Thompson’s heroics, paired with key contributions from Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Powell—a Chicago native who shined in front of the hometown crowd—propelled Ohio State to its fifth straight win and solidified its position near the top of the Big Ten standings. The Buckeyes’ offense continued to hum, with Fontaine extending his scoring streak and Aiden Hansen-Bukata dishing out his team-leading 17th assist of the season.
On Sunday, the rivalry resumed in Ann Arbor, where Ohio State suffered a narrow 3-2 overtime loss to Michigan. The Buckeyes came out strong, fueled by Fontaine’s two first-period goals, one of which came on a power play. However, penalty trouble allowed Michigan to climb back into the game, eventually tying it in the third period before notching the winner just 20 seconds into overtime.
Despite the setback, Ohio State showed heart and determination throughout the series, earning four Big Ten points and extending impressive individual streaks. Fontaine continued to lead the team in goals and points, while Hansen-Bukata and Davis Burnside kept their multi-game scoring streaks alive. Goalie Logan Terness was stellar in Sunday’s contest, stopping 33 shots to keep the Buckeyes competitive in a high-stakes matchup.
The weekend at Wrigley Field underscored Ohio State’s strength and depth. From thrilling comebacks to relentless defensive efforts, the Buckeyes delivered a showcase performance that fans won’t soon forget. Up next, Ohio State returns to Value City Arena to face No. 3 Minnesota, with high expectations and momentum driving them forward.
For fans, the Frozen Confines series wasn’t just about the wins and losses; it was a celebration of Ohio State hockey’s growing legacy, one that continues to make the Buckeye faithful proud.
