The Ohio State men’s hockey team’s Large Ten Tournament run ended with a 7-3 loss to rival Michigan on March 21 at Yost Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
A Run to the Championship
Ohio State entered the championship game as the No. 5 seed, making them the lowest-seeded team to reach the final. Despite a strong showing throughout the tournament, including a 7-1 victory over No. 4 seed Wisconsin in the quarterfinals and a 3-2 overtime win against No. 1 seed Michigan State in the semifinals, the Buckeyes could not overcome the Wolverines.
Michigan dominated the scoring, with seven different players contributing goals. T.J. Hughes assisted on two of those goals. For Ohio State, William Smith, Jake Karabela, and Adam Eisele each scored. Eisele’s goal on the power play briefly gave the Buckeyes a 3-2 lead in the second period, but the game was tied heading into the third.
What’s Next?
With the loss, Ohio State’s season is likely over unless they receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Michigan, as the Big Ten Tournament champion, has secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Other Big Ten teams could similarly receive bids, depending on their overall record and the selection committee’s decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seed was Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament?
Ohio State was the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
How many goals did Michigan score in the championship game?
Michigan scored seven goals in the championship game.
How many times had Ohio State previously appeared in the Big Ten Tournament title game?
This was Ohio State’s fourth trip to the Big Ten Tournament title game.
What does a tournament run like Ohio State’s say about the increasing competitiveness of college hockey within the Big Ten conference?
