OHIO Hockey wins first national title in 22 years

Ohio University Hockey triumphantly hoisted the Murdoch Cup trophy as national champions once again after winning the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men’s Division I National Championship. The Bobcats defeated Adrian College 3-1 to win the title at Centene Community Ice Center in St. Louis, Mo., on Tuesday, March 17.

The Bobcats entered the tournament as the second seeded team after a largely successful 28-6 season, and the team carried that success all the way through to the end. This is the first time OHIO Hockey has won the national championship since 2004, ending a 22-year drought.

Ohio University Hockey Head Coach Barry Schutte said that hard work and a powerful team ultimately propelled the Bobcats to their national title. In only his second year with the team, Schutte says he is excited and proud to bring the OHIO Hockey family another championship.

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“This group of student athletes put the team first and believed in one another,” emphasized Schutte. “We are committed to the process and focused on showing up in a high-quality way on a daily basis, a daily commitment to invest in the best version of ourselves, individually and collectively.”

Ohio University senior, alternate captain and forward Luc Reeve was named tournament MVP. Reeve led the entire ACHA DI tournament with a total of eight points—four goals and four assists.

“We were led by Luc and a large group of nine seniors who had high standards and expectations,” said Schutte. “Everyone was accepting of their role and just wanted to help the team win. Our depth in all positions was difficult for teams to match up against. We felt we had the advantage regardless of who was called upon.”

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In addition to scoring from Reeve and others, OHIO’s defense was something to behold. All three Bobcat goalies contributed to tournament play and allowed only six total goals while facing 107 shots. In the national championship game against Adrian College, senior Matt Zazon made 26 saves alone.

“We pride ourselves on good team defense and it starts with goaltending. It is very uncommon to have such a crowded net, but all three goalies did an outstanding job all year,” said Schutte. “They earned the trust, respect and confidence of our team, and it was a collective effort from the goalies all season that contributed to our team success. We did not want to change that formula just because it was the national tournament.”

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Hockey at Ohio University has a long history of success, and this latest championship victory marks the fifth national title for the program. Schutte says it has been an honor to lead this historic program with so much tradition and support from the community. 

“OHIO Hockey is family and has been a part of this community’s fabric on and off campus for 68 years,” said Schutte. “Our student athletes understand that they are representing a proud Ohio University community and that is a responsibility that we all take seriously.  I am happy to play a small role in that success and am grateful for the opportunity.” 

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Coach Schutte and the national championship team are still soaking up the success and excitement of the moment but are already planning to push this momentum into the next season. 

“We will enjoy the celebration but have a great core group returning who are motivated to continue the winning tradition,” he said. “They now understand the keys to success and are willing to do whatever it takes. We will continue to set high standards & expectations and commit to preparing properly.”

A celebration for the national champion OHIO Hockey team will take place on Thursday, April 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in front of Ping Recreation Center. The event is free and open to the public.