Hockey: Olentangy rides early power play to beat New Albany
Saturday, January 6, 2024
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com
Olentangy’s Jacob Schlade shoots against New Albany on Jan. 6 at OhioHealth Chiller Easton. Photo: John Hulkenberg
During a two-week break in the schedule, Olentangy hockey coach Mike Ross made an adjustment to his team’s power play. He moved Joey Heuser to the slot and Jacob Schlade down low and it’s already paying off.
The Braves scored three goals in the first period, including the first two off the power play to beat New Albany 5-2 in a Capital Hockey Conference game on Jan. 6 at OhioHealth Chiller Easton.
Schlade assisted on both power play goals – the first to Heuser and then to Grant Levins on the second.
“It’s been a really good power play so far,” said Levins, whose team finished 2 of 3 on the power play for the game. “We put Joe Heuser in the slot and have Jacob Schlade down low as a rover. It really helps us three guys on the top end – (Ben) Dorbish, Sam Ziliak and me because we can find a lot more options and create a lot more shots.”
Olentangy goaltender Landon Ramsier works against New Albany on Jan. 6 at OhioHealth Chiller Easton. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Levins had two goals and an assist, Schlade had a goal and two assists to lead Olentangy.
The win over New Albany improved the Braves’ record to 12-5-1 overall and 8-1-1. Their 17 points lead the CHC-White Division.
“(The power play is) something that’s either propelled us to wins or cost us some games,” Olentangy coach Mike Ross said. “We continue to work on it and tonight it was a big part of the win. Having them come out on those first two opportunities and get those two goals was big for us.”
Olentangy tied St. Charles last night in its first action since a 5-2 loss to Olentangy Liberty on Dec. 22.
“We’re really happy with (the weekend),” Schlade said. “Even though we were off, we were together all the time – hanging out and watching other games (or) getting on the ice and sticking pucks. (We did) anything we could to stay ready. It was tough. But we had practices over the break just to stay ready and stay in shape.”
New Albany’s Matan Lefebvre (right) moves with the puck while Olentangy’s Ben Garth follows Jan. 6 at OhioHealth Chiller Easton. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Alec Foreman scored 37 seconds after Levins’ power play goal to give Olentangy a 3-0 lead. Levins scored his second goal with 9:07 left in the second period for a 4-0 lead.
Quinn Bailey ended the Eagles’ scoring drought with 7:24 left in the second period and
Will Allman’s goal with 13:55 left in the third period cut the deficit to 4-2.
Matan Lefebvre had two assists to lead the Eagles, who fell to 12-9 overall and 4-7 with eight points in the CHC-Red.
“We talk to our guys week in and week out about momentum and (Olentangy) scored three in the first and that got them the win,” New Albany coach Matthew Buss said. “I want to give credit to them because they definitely outworked us tonight. They deserved the win.”
New Albany’s Ryan Myers works in goal Jan. 6 at OhioHealth Chiller Easton. Photo: John Hulkenberg