Ohio State Buckeyes men's ice hockey
Men's ice hockey team of Ohio State University
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ohio State Buckeyes men's ice hockey team is an NCAA Division I college ice hockey program that represents Ohio State University. The Buckeyes are a member of the Big Ten Conference. They play at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
13th season, 221–177–45 (.550)
- J. B. Bittner
- Paul Kirtland
- Carter Krier
| Ohio State Buckeyes men's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 Current season | |
| |
| University | Ohio State University |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Head coach | Steve Rohlik 13th season, 221–177–45 (.550) |
| Assistant coaches |
|
| Arena | Value City Arena Columbus, Ohio |
| Colors | Scarlet and gray[1] |
| NCAA tournament Frozen Four | |
| 1998, 2018 | |
| NCAA tournament appearances | |
| 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2025 | |
| Conference tournament champions | |
| CCHA: 1972, 2004 | |
| Conference regular season champions | |
| CCHA: 1972 Big Ten: 2019 | |
| Current uniform | |
 | |
History
The Ohio State Buckeyes men's ice hockey program began in 1963, the team played at the new Ohio State Ice Rink, constructed in 1961. The Buckeyes were a founding member of the CCHA in 1971. The Buckeyes won the inaugural 1972 CCHA men's ice hockey tournament with a 3–0 win over Saint Louis University.[2]
One of the team's most successful seasons came in 1997–1998, the year before the Buckeyes moved into new the 17,500-seat Value City Arena, which replaced the aging and undersized (1,400-seat) Ohio State Ice Rink. The team finished the 1997–1998 season with an overall record of 27–13–2. They secured an at-large bid to the 1998 tournament.[3] That same season the Buckeyes advanced to the 1998 Frozen Four and lost in the semifinal game to Boston College 5–2.[3] The 1998 tournament was the program's first of two all-time Frozen Four appearances, the other coming in 2018. In 1999 the team advanced to the 1999 NCAA tournament. Despite a first round elimination with a 4–2 loss to Maine,[4] this marked the first time in school history the team made the NCAA tournament in consecutive seasons.[5]
The time period during the early 2000s was the most successful period in the program's history. Ohio State made the NCAA Post season tournament in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The 2003–2004 season also saw the Buckeyes win the school's second CCHA post season tournament with a 4–2 win over Big Ten and CCHA rival Michigan.[6] After three seasons, the Buckeyes returned to the NCAA tournament in 2009,[7] when they received an at-large bid to the 2009 NCAA tournament after a 5th-place finish in the CCHA regular season and falling to Alaska in the CCHA Quarterfinals. In the 2009 NCAA tournament the team lost 8–3 to Boston University in the first round.[8] The program was also invited to play in the Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic against Wisconsin on February 11, 2006, which was the second-ever outdoor ice hockey game played between college teams.[9]
On March 21, 2011 the Big Ten Conference announced plans to sponsor men's ice hockey starting in 2013–14 season. Ohio State along with CCHA rivals, Michigan and Michigan State would leave the CCHA to join Minnesota and Wisconsin from the WCHA and Penn State, who would elevate their men's and women's American Collegiate Hockey Association club programs to varsity status, to form a six-team Big Ten Hockey Conference.[10]
During the first half of the 2011–2012 season, the Buckeyes jumped out to a sizeable lead in the CCHA standings when the team recorded a 10–3–1 conference record.[11] The second half of the season proved much harder for Ohio State when the team recorded an eleven-game winless streak through January and the first half of February. The team broke the streak with a 4–3 win over Western Michigan,[12] the team's lone win in the second half of the season.[13] The Buckeyes fell from a season high, second-place ranking in January 2012 to 21st place by the end of the regular season.[14][15] In the first round of the 2012 CCHA tournament, Ohio State was swept by Notre Dame 2–0 and 4–2 in the best-of-three series.[16]
Despite an up and down 2013–14 season, Ohio State had a good showing in the inaugural Big Ten Hockey tournament. After defeating Michigan State in overtime in the first round, the Buckeyes upset #1 Minnesota 3–1. They ultimately fell 5–4 in overtime in the championship game to the Wisconsin Badgers. Despite missing out on the NCAA tournament, Ohio State would finish the 2013–14 season ranked #20.
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After back to back losing seasons in 2014–15 and 2015–16, Ohio State had their first 20 win season and NCAA tournament berth in 8 years. Led by forwards Nick Schilkey and Mason Jobst, the Buckeyes had the second ranked offense in college hockey and a historically great power play. Ohio State finished third in the Big Ten, their highest finish in the league's four-year history. Despite the successful season, Ohio State did not clinch a tournament berth until Penn State defeated Wisconsin in the 2017 Big Ten tournament, giving the Buckeyes the final at large berth and the 4 seed in the West Regional in Fargo, North Dakota. The Buckeyes faced off against the #2 overall seed, the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs in the 1st round. A third period comeback sent the game to overtime with the score tied at two. The Bulldogs ended the Buckeyes season on a goal from Willie Raskob at 11:58 of the first overtime.
Season-by-season results
Source:[17]
Records vs. Big Ten teams
As of the 2021-22 season[18]
| School | Team | Away Arena | Overall record | Win % | Home | Away | Last Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | Wolverines | Yost Ice Arena | 44–85–14 | .362 | 23–37–6 | 18–43–8 | 3-0 L |
| Michigan State University | Spartans | Munn Ice Arena | 46–89–13 | .350 | 24–36–6 | 17–47–7 | 5-1 W |
| University of Minnesota | Golden Gophers | 3M Arena at Mariucci | 7–30–4 | .225 | 4–9–1 | 2–16–3 | 4-1 L |
| University of Notre Dame | Fighting Irish | Compton Family Ice Arena | 37–36–10 | .512 | 19–16–6 | 15–18–4 | 3-2 L |
| Pennsylvania State University | Nittany Lions | Pegula Ice Arena | 16–10–2 | .593 | 8–5–1 | 7–4–1 | 4-1 W |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Badgers | Kohl Center | 17–18–3 | .473 | 8–6–1 | 8–6–2 | 4-3 W |
Coaches
The Buckeyes are currently coached by Steve Rohlik. He was announced the new head coach on April 24, 2013 shortly after the departure of Mark Osiecki.[19]
All-time coaching records
As of completion of 2024–25 season[5]
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963–1965 | Tom Bedecki | 2 | 6–14–0 | .300 |
| 1965–1966 | Glen Sonmor | 1 | 9–7–0 | .563 |
| 1966–1970 | Harry Neale | 4 | 49–48–3 | .505 |
| 1970–1972 | Dave Chambers | 2 | 44–14–0 | .759 |
| 1972–1975 | Gerald Walford | 3 | 41–46–4 | .473 |
| 1975–1995 | Jerry Welsh | 20† | 328–381–56 | .465 |
| 1995–2010 | John Markell | 15† | 280–267–56 | .511 |
| 2010–2013 | Mark Osiecki | 3 | 46–50–16 | .482 |
| 2013–present | Steve Rohlik | 12 | 221–177–45 | .550 |
| Totals | 9 coaches | 62 seasons | 1,024–1,004–180 | .505 |
† John Markell coached the final 9 games of the 1994–95 season after Jerry Welsh resigned.
Statistical leaders
Career points leaders
| Player | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Pooley | 1980–1984 | 149 | 114 | 156 | 270 | 165 |
| Ray Meyers | 1970–1974 | 118 | 107 | 126 | 233 | 160 |
| Dave Kobryn | 1980–1984 | 154 | 72 | 151 | 223 | 194 |
| Andy Browne | 1980–1984 | 139 | 104 | 108 | 212 | 134 |
| Paul Tilley | 1976–1980 | 150 | 81 | 131 | 212 | 177 |
| Larry Marson | 1978–1982 | 143 | 82 | 128 | 210 | 49 |
| Bruce Allworth | 1973–1976 | 94 | 71 | 114 | 185 | 222 |
| Rick Brebant | 1984–1987 | 111 | 75 | 108 | 183 | 178 |
| Tom Scanlon | 1976–1980 | 145 | 76 | 101 | 177 | 215 |
| Peter Bartkiewicz | 1969–1973 | 115 | 86 | 88 | 174 | 68 |
| Perry Pooley | 1981–1984 | 152 | 85 | 89 | 174 | 151 |
Career goaltending leaders
GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
minimum 30 games played
| Player | Years | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | SV% | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Caruso | 2002–2006 | 96 | 5640 | 52 | 32 | 9 | 195 | 9 | .919 | 2.07 |
| Brady Hjelle | 2011–2013 | 42 | 2361 | 16 | 18 | 6 | 82 | 5 | .933 | 2.08 |
| Sean Romeo | 2017–2019 | 54 | 3189 | 30 | 17 | 7 | 118 | 5 | .919 | 2.22 |
| Jakub Dobeš | 2021–2023 | 75 | 4405 | 42 | 28 | 5 | 168 | 6 | .926 | 2.29 |
| Tommy Nappier | 2017–2021 | 82 | 4678 | 40 | 30 | 8 | 180 | 8 | .925 | 2.31 |
Statistics current through the end of the 2023–24 season.
Players
Current roster
As of August 18, 2025.[20]
| No. | Nat. | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Dawson Labre | Freshman | G | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2004-06-22 | Les Cèdres, Quebec | West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) | — |
| 2 |  |
Chris Able | Sophomore | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 198 lb (90 kg) | 2004-11-04 | Libertyville, Illinois | Chicago Steel (USHL) | — |
| 5 | |
Ethan Straky | Senior | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2003-04-18 | Walnut Creek, California | Colorado College (NCHC) | — |
| 7 | |
Chris Romaine | Sophomore | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 196 lb (89 kg) | 2004-02-21 | Boston, Massachusetts | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) | COL, 193rd overall 2022 |
| 8 | |
Nathan McBrayer | Junior | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 173 lb (78 kg) | 2004-05-11 | Dublin, Ohio | Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) | — |
| 9 | |
Riley Thompson | Junior | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2002-08-17 | Orleans, Ontario | Alaska Anchorage (NCAA) | — |
| 10 | |
Thomas Weis | Junior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2002-02-08 | Madison, Wisconsin | Madison Capitols (USHL) | — |
| 11 | |
Jake Rozzi | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | 2004-01-27 | Kirkland, Quebec | Tri-City Storm (USHL) | — |
| 13 | |
Félix Caron | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 168 lb (76 kg) | 2004-12-01 | Terrebonne, Quebec | Rensselaer (ECAC) | — |
| 15 | |
Adam Eisele | Graduate | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2001-07-11 | Lake Elmo, Minnesota | Minnesota State (CCHA) | — |
| 16 | |
Max Montes | Junior | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2003-09-01 | Hartland, Wisconsin | Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) | — |
| 17 | |
Landen Gunderson | Freshman | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2004-11-28 | Plymouth, Minnesota | Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) | — |
| 19 |  |
James Hong | Sophomore | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 168 lb (76 kg) | 2004-07-02 | Irvine, California | Madison Capitols (USHL) | — |
| 21 | |
Bryce Ingles | Freshman | D | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2005-06-08 | Clyde, Michigan | Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) | — |
| 23 | |
Davis Burnside | Senior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 176 lb (80 kg) | 2003-09-22 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) | — |
| 24 | |
Niall Crocker | Freshman | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 196 lb (89 kg) | 2004-07-31 | Delta, British Columbia | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) | — |
| 25 | |
Sam Deckhut | Junior | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 186 lb (84 kg) | 2002-04-02 | San Diego, California | Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) | — |
| 27 | |
Sam McGinley | Junior | D | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2002-12-03 | Calgary, Alberta | New Brunswick (AUS) | — |
| 28 | |
William Smith | Junior | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 193 lb (88 kg) | 2003-03-29 | Toronto, Ontario | Omaha Lancers (USHL) | — |
| 29 | |
Ryan Gordon | Junior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2002-05-05 | Duluth, Georgia | Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) | — |
| 30 | |
Sam Hillebrandt | Freshman | G | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2005-02-21 | Port Huron, Michigan | Barrie Colts (OHL) | — |
| 49 | |
Jake Karabela | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 187 lb (85 kg) | 2004-03-07 | Guelph, Ontario | Guelph Storm (OHL) | WSH, 149th overall 2022 |
| 60 | |
Kristoffer Eberly | Junior | G | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 208 lb (94 kg) | 2002-12-10 | Pinckney, Michigan | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) | — |
| 63 | |
Nathan Lewis | Sophomore | F | 6' 6" (1.98 m) | 209 lb (95 kg) | 2004-07-27 | Chicago, Illinois | Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) | — |
| 73 | |
Broten Sabo | Junior | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 194 lb (88 kg) | 2002-08-09 | Rosemount, Minnesota | Alaska (NCAA) | — |
| 91 | |
Jake Dunlap | Senior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2001-12-05 | Windham, New Hampshire | New Hampshire (HEA) | — |
Awards and honors
NCAA
Individual awards
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All-Americans
- 1983-84: Paul Pooley, F
- 1997-98: Hugo Boisvert, F
- 2012-13: Brady Hjelle, G
- 2013-14: Ryan Dzingel, F
AHCA Second Team All-Americans
- 1983-84: Perry Pooley, F
- 1998-99: Jeff Maund, G; Hugo Boisvert, F
- 2002-03: R. J. Umberger, F
- 2009-10: Zac Dalpe, F
- 2016-17: Mason Jobst, F
- 2017-18: Tanner Laczysnki, F
- 2018-19: Mason Jobst, F
CCHA
Individual awards
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Tournament Most Valuable Player
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All-Conference Teams
- 1972–73: Ray Meyers, F
- 1975–76: Bruce Allworth, F
- 1978–79: Paul Tilley, F
- 1980–81: Mike Blake, G; Dan Mandich, D; Brent Morrow, F
- 1982–83: Andy Browne, F
- 1983–84: John Dougan, G; Paul Pooley, F
- 1997–98: Hugo Boisvert, F
- 1998–99: Jeff Maund, G; Hugo Boisvert, F
- 2002–03: R. J. Umberger, F
- 2009–10: Zac Dalpe, F
- 2012–13: Brady Hjelle, G
- 1972–73: Jim Witherspoon, D
- 1976–77: Paul Tilley, F
- 1978–79: Steve Jones, G
- 1979–80: Steve Jones, G; Brian Jenks, D; Greg Kostenko, D; Rod McNair, D; Larry Marson, F; Paul Tilley, F
- 1980–81: Paul Pooley, F
- 1981–82: Larry Marson, F
- 1982–83: John Dougan, G; Dave Kobryn, F
- 1983–84: Perry Pooley, F
- 1984–85: Mike Rousseau, D
- 1995–96: Tom Sakey, G
- 1998–99: Andrè Signoretti, D
- 2002–03: Mike Betz, G
- 2004–05: Nate Guenin, D; Rod Pelley, F
- 2006–07: Sean Collins, F
- 2012–13: Tanner Fritz, F
- 1989–90: Glenn Painter, D
- 1991–92: Brian Loney, F
- 1996–97: Hugo Boisvert, F
- 1997–98: Jeff Maund, G
- 1998–99: Jason Crain, D
- 2000–01: Dave Steckel, F; R. J. Umberger, F
- 2004–05: Tom Fritsche, F
- 2008–09: Matt Bartkowski, D; Zac Dalpe, F
- 2011–12: Max McCormick, F
Big Ten
Individual awards
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All-Conference Teams
- 2013–14: Ryan Dzingel, F
- 2015–16: Josh Healey, D
- 2016–17: Mason Jobst, F
- 2017–18: Tanner Laczynski, F
- 2018–19: Tommy Nappier, G
- 2021–22: Jakub Dobeš, G; Georgii Merkulov, F
- 2015–16: Nick Schilkey, F
- 2016–17: Christian Frey, G; Josh Healey, D; Nick Schilkey, F
- 2017–18: Sean Romeo, G; Sasha Larocque, D; Mason Jobst, F
- 2018–19: Sasha Larocque, D
- 2022–23: Mason Lohrei, D; Jake Wise, F
- 2023–24: Scooter Brickey, D
- 2013–14: Christian Frey, G; Drew Brevig, D; Nick Schilkey, F
- 2014–15: Matthew Weis, F
- 2015–16: Mason Jobst, F
- 2017–18: Tommy Nappier, G
- 2018–19: Gustaf Westlund, F
- 2021–22: Jakub Dobeš, G; Mason Lohrei, D; Georgii Merkulov, F
Ohio State Buckeyes Hall of Fame
The following is a list of people associated with the Ohio State men's ice hockey program who were elected into the Ohio State Buckeyes Hall of Fame.[21]
Olympians
This is a list of Ohio State alumni who have played on an Olympic team.[18]
| Name | Position | Ohio State Tenure | Team | Year | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrè Signoretti | Defenseman | 1997–2001 |  ITA | 2006 | 11th |
| Ryan Kesler | Center | 2002–2003 | USA | 2010 |  Silver |
| Matt Tomkins | Goaltender | 2013–2017 | CAN | 2022 | 6th |
Buckeyes in the NHL
As of July 1, 2025.[22]
| = NHL All-Star team | = NHL All-Star[23] | = NHL All-Star[23] and NHL All-Star team | = Hall of Famers |
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WHA
One Buckeye played in the WHA.
