Eric Boggs
After a tough road trip where they were swept by Princeton, the No. 17/16 Ohio State Buckeyes returned to Value City Arena and delivered a commanding response. In their Big Ten home-opening series, the Buckeyes swept Penn State with a 4-0 win Thursday and a hard-fought 4-2 victory Friday. The two wins marked a strong start to a four-game homestand and improved Ohio State’s record to 11-4-1 (4-2-0, 1-0-0 Big Ten).
Goaltender Kristoffer Eberly was instrumental throughout the series, stopping 49 of 51 shots faced. He earned his second shutout of the season Thursday, maintaining a 1.36 goals-against average and .943 save percentage on the year. Aiden Hansen-Bukata orchestrated the offense with five assists across the two games, solidifying his role as the Buckeyes’ playmaker and boosting his team-leading assist total to 14.
The Buckeyes also received critical contributions from their forwards. Max Montes tallied goals in both games, including a pair of empty-netters, to bring his season total to a team-high eight. Joe Dunlap recorded three assists in the series, including a pivotal setup for freshman Jake Rozzi, who scored the game-winning goal Friday. Gunnarwolfe Fontaine added two goals in Thursday’s shutout victory, showing his knack for clutch scoring.
Thursday: Buckeyes Dominate in 4-0 Shutout
Ohio State opened the series with a statement win. After a scoreless first period, Max Montes broke the deadlock in the second, followed by Patrick Guzzo, who doubled the lead just minutes later. Gunnarwolfe Fontaine took over in the third, scoring twice to seal the 4-0 win, with his second goal coming on the power play.
The Buckeyes’ defensive effort was equally impressive. They blocked 13 shots, killed all three Penn State power plays, and outshot the Nittany Lions 36-22. Eberly’s 22-save performance secured the shutout, his second of the season.
Friday: Rozzi’s Late Heroics Seal the Sweep
Friday’s matchup was a tighter contest. Ohio State jumped to an early 2-0 lead with first-period power-play goals from Damien Carfagna and Riley Thompson. However, Penn State battled back, cutting the deficit to 2-1 before the intermission and tying the game early in the third period.
With the game hanging in the balance, Jake Rozzi came through at 13:06 of the third. The freshman buried a perfect feed from Joe Dunlap to put the Buckeyes ahead 3-2. Ohio State’s penalty kill held firm during a late Penn State power play, and Max Montes sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:40.
Eberly once again stood tall, making 27 saves, while Hansen-Bukata recorded three assists in the win. The Buckeyes were strong on special teams, going 2-for-6 on the power play and killing three of four Penn State opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The Buckeyes opened their four-game homestand with this series and will next face Notre Dame in another two-game set at Value City Arena. The action begins next Friday at 7 p.m. with the annual Teddy Bear Toss, where fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals for donation. Saturday’s Holiday Game will feature festive activities and giveaways.
Tickets for all home games are available through the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office, with free parking provided.
