Saad’s Two Scores Help Icers Defeat Ohio

The Penn State Icers (21-3-1) defeated the Ohio Bobcats 4-1 on Saturday night at the Bird Arena in Athens, Ohio. The victory gave Penn State their second win in as many days against the Bobcats, completing the weekend sweep.

In the first period, Ohio got on the board at 2:11 when Duncan Green’s shot was redirected by Jonathan Pietramala past Penn State goalie Matt Madrazo to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead. Penn State would tie the game at 1-1 when George Saad controlled the puck off an offensive zone draw and threw it on net, managing to beat Ohio goalie Fedor Dushkin at the 8:01 mark. After a checking from behind call against Ohio sent Penn State on their first power play of the night, Justin Kirchhevel found Peter Sweetland skating in from the blue line. Sweetland beat Dushkin and recorded his first career goal at Penn State, giving the Icers a 2-1 lead at 15:41.

Both teams incurred a few penalties throughout the first half of the second period, but nothing came of them. Moments after Taylor Holstrom was denied by Dushkin on a breakaway, the Icers would be able to capitilze on almost the same scenario. Eric Steniour found a streaking Saad coming off the bench, and the junior beat Dushkin on the breakaway to record his second goal of the game and put Penn State up 3-1 at 6:24.

The Bobcats would pressure the Icers early on in the third period, but Penn State was able to stand strong and pull out the victory. Kirchhevel would net the fourth and final goal at 14:16 off assists from Holstrom and Tommy Olczyk.

Penn State outshot the Bobcats 35-25. The Icers were 1-7 on the power play and were able to kill all five power plays that Ohio had.

The Icers are back in action next weekend when they take on Oklahoma on Friday (Feb. 3) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Feb. 4) at 3:30 p.m. at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion.

Until 3 p.m. on Friday, single game tickets can be ordered through the Penn State Ice Hockey Ticket Office by calling 814-867-5522, or purchased at the Penn State Ice Pavilion. After 3 p.m. on Friday, tickets will only be sold at the Ice Pavilion.