2001-02 Team Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State women's ice hockey Buckeyes started their 'journey' two years ago with a single step. They haven't looked back since.
Head coach Jackie Barto was aware of her team's potential last season long before the rest of the college hockey world sat up and took notice. Of course, an 18-16-3 overall record (12-5-1 after Jan.1), a thrilling run for the 2001 WCHA Championship title and a No. 8 national ranking certainly did not hurt her cause.
The 16 letterwinners returning to the 2001-02 squad can still taste the success of the second half of last season, however, Barto knows new challenges lie ahead. Her plan of attack is simple - set the goals high and work hard to achieve them.
"Something is different about our team now," Barto said. "Last year, we learned the importance of working hard in both games and practices. As the program takes the next step this year, our work ethic and determination will pay off."
That OSU needs to start the season stronger is a given in a league that is becoming more competitive by the day. The level of excitement in the locker room and degree of intensity on the ice are at an all-time high and Barto is confident her program has what it takes to be a national contender.
Between the Pipes
OSU returns the tandem of Melissa Glaser and April Stojak between the pipes and adds Natalie Lammé. Stojak played in every game last season, compiling an 18-16-3 record and a 2.55 gaa. She set the school record for shutouts (8) and was named to the WCHA All-Tournament Team for her back-to-back shutouts in the post-season. Glaser, one of three captains along with Emily Hudak and Lindsey Ogren, is back in action after a ligament tear forced her to the sidelines last season.
A Stingy Defense
A commitment to team defense is a philosophy that has worked well for the Buckeyes and they practice what they preach. OSU allowed an average of less than 23 shots on goal per game last year.
Returning to the blueline are sophomore Emma Laaksonen and juniors Emily Hudak, Lindsey Steblen, Katie Frohreich and Christine Patno. Newcomers are Jaclyn Haines and Monica Kolb.
The team's Most Valuable Freshman, Laaksonen was second in scoring (19-19=38) as a defenseman, led the nation with 17 PPGs and was named WCHA Rookie of the Week after scoring the first hat trick in program history March 2, 2001. Hudak, meanwhile, capped a solid second season with five assists in two games at the WCHA tourney and shared the team lead in assists with 27.
Offense Steps Up
OSU scored 119 goals in 2000-01, 23 more than its opponents and twice as many as the year before. The offense returns five 20-plus point scorers this season.
Top returning forward Shana Frost had a very strong sophomore scampaign, turning in a team-high 20 goals (11 PPGs) and 16 helpers.
Joining Frost up front for Ohio State in '01-02 are sophomores Erin O'Grady, Heather Farrell and Jeanne Chapple, juniors Lindsey Ogren, Melissa Pirie, Sarah Van Riper, Katie Frohreich, Kris Ankersen, Jayne Bucksa and Carrie Gill, and freshmen Jeni Creary, Jennifer Desson and Meaghan Mulvaney.
O'Grady is excellent on faceoffs and capable of creating offense. Farrell is a strong power forward who has a solid presence on the forecheck. Chapple, who has above-average speed, returns after a 24-point rookie season. Ogren is a hard-working winger and excellent support player who creates opportunities for her linemates and makes a habit of causing turnovers.
Special Teams
Special teams were a significant factor in Ohio State's overall success last season as the Buckeys led the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in penalty-killing percentage (84.1%) and also went 49-for-198 (24.7%) overall on the power-play.
Key players on special teams this season will include Frost, Laaksonen, Hudak, O'Grady, Farrell, Chapple, Steblen and Frohreich.
by Kelly Kaufman, OSU SID
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