Eric Boggs
Friday night at the OSU Ice Rink was one to remember for Ohio State women’s hockey fans. The No. 4/5 Buckeyes took down No. 2 Minnesota, 4-3, in front of a packed home crowd that included alumni from head coach Nadine Muzerall’s nine-year tenure. The evening was even more special as Ohio State celebrated its 2024 national championship with a ring presentation and a banner drop before the game.
The Buckeyes came out strong, with Joy Dunne putting OSU on the board just 3:28 into the first period. Jenna Buglioni set up the play with a clean faceoff win, and Maddi Wheeler connected with Brooke Disher, who found Dunne for the opening goal. However, Minnesota quickly responded with a goal from Abbey Murphy to tie the game. With just 32 seconds left in the period, Jocelyn Amos capitalized on a rebound to give Ohio State a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission, despite being outshot 13-10.
Amanda Thiele, who was outstanding in goal, made nine key saves in the second period to keep the Gophers off the scoreboard. Ohio State extended their lead to 3-1 when Kiara Zanon scored on a power play at 15:23, firing a shot past Minnesota goaltender Skylar Vetter after another excellent setup by Buglioni and Emma Peschel.
The third period was tense. Minnesota’s Emma Kreisz cut the lead to one just 2:16 in, but the Buckeyes responded yet again. Buglioni scored a crucial power-play goal at 6:20, giving Ohio State a 4-2 lead. Although Minnesota pulled Vetter and scored with just nine seconds left, the Buckeyes held on for a thrilling 4-3 victory.
The win marked several milestones. Not only was it Ohio State’s first home victory of the season, but it was also Muzerall’s 200th career win. She achieved this remarkable feat against her alma mater, Minnesota, where she was both a player and assistant coach before leading the Buckeyes to new heights. Thiele finished the game with 24 saves, coming within one win of tying the program record for career victories.
The following night, Ohio State and Minnesota battled again in a hard-fought contest that ended in a 1-1 tie, with the Buckeyes ultimately winning the shootout. Freshman Jordyn Petrie gave Ohio State an early lead in the first period, but Minnesota’s Josefin Bouveng tied it up early in the third. Neither team could find a winner in regulation or overtime, and the game went to a shootout. After a back-and-forth shootout, it was Jocelyn Amos who netted the decisive goal in the sixth round, securing five of six points for Ohio State in the weekend series.
Thiele continued her stellar play, making a season-best 28 saves in the game and then adding clutch stops in the shootout. The Buckeyes’ defense was also sharp, particularly on the penalty kill, as they kept Minnesota scoreless on two power-play opportunities.
With this series win, Ohio State improves to 5-2-1 on the season and 3-2-1 in WCHA play. The Buckeyes are back on the road next weekend to take on St. Cloud State, aiming to build on their momentum.
This team has already shown they can rise to the occasion, and with Muzerall leading the way and players like Buglioni, Amos, and Thiele stepping up, Buckeye fans should be excited about what’s ahead.
