Eric Boggs
The Ohio State men’s hockey team kicked off their Big Ten season with a statement, sweeping No. 16/15 Wisconsin on the road in two tightly contested 2-1 victories. As a Buckeye fan, you have to love the resilience and grit this team showed, especially against a tough Badgers squad. Sophomore forward Max Montes, a Wisconsin native, was the star of the weekend, scoring three goals, including both game-winners, while goalies Logan Terness and Kristoffer Eberly each stood tall in net.
Friday night’s game was a thriller, with Montes tying it up late in the first period and then burying the overtime winner with just 17 seconds left on the clock. Terness was a wall in goal, stopping 37 of 38 shots, including 17 in the second period alone. The Buckeyes may have been outshot 38-23, but the defense held strong, blocking 24 shots, and Terness didn’t let anything past him after Wisconsin’s early power-play goal.
Saturday’s rematch was no less intense. Riley Thompson wasted no time, scoring just 21 seconds into the game to give Ohio State the early lead. Montes struck again early in the third period to extend the lead to 2-0, but Wisconsin clawed one back halfway through the period. Eberly, however, was clutch in goal, making 28 saves to secure the sweep for the Buckeyes. Despite being outshot once again, Ohio State’s defense, led by players like Damien Carfagna and Aiden Hansen-Bukata, blocked 16 shots to frustrate the Badgers’ offense.
What makes this sweep even more impressive is that the Buckeyes were shorthanded for much of Saturday’s game after Patrick Guzzo left with an injury. But as head coach Steve Rohlik said, “Getting a sweep on the road in the Big Ten is a big deal. I’m proud of our guys.”
For Montes, the weekend was particularly special. He’s been on fire, scoring in each of Ohio State’s first four games, and now leads the team with five goals. His performance earned him Big Ten First Star of the Week honors, while Terness, who backstopped Friday’s win, received the Big Ten Third Star of the Week. Montes is also third nationally in goals per game, with 1.25.
Looking ahead, Ohio State is back in action this weekend against Bowling Green in a home-and-home series. After sweeping the Badgers, there’s plenty of momentum behind this team, and as Buckeye fans, we’ll be watching closely to see if Montes can keep his goal streak alive and the Buckeyes can continue their winning ways.
