Bobcats past and present battle for cause
It may be a team you've never heard of. It may be a team that, in some regards, has just recently been assembled.
But anyone who's followed Ohio University Hockey will tell you it could present one of the tallest tasks for the current team this season.
Ghosts of Bobcats' past return to Bird Arena tonight in the form of the American Cancer Society Ice Ghosts. They'll battle the current Bobcats (21-11-1) in a matchup showcasing Ohio's success in the last decade. Various other former college and semi-pro players from around Ohio also comprise the roster.
Minding the net for the Ice Ghosts will be 2009-2010 ACHA Player of the Year Paul Marshall. In his time in a Bobcat uniform, Marshall amassed career and single-season records in wins and shutouts for the program. He also holds the career records for save percentage and goals against average. That 2009-2010 season also garnered Marshall the CSCHL Most Valuable Player Award.
Former Bobcats highlight a defense that includes Mark Tracy, Travis Preble, John Yasak, current Division II team head coach Phil Oberlin, and Division I assistant coach Steve Osacky.
The scoring attack could be led by 2004 ACHA National Tournament MVP Frank Kubas. He'll be joined by 2007-2008 CSCHL Player of the Year, Jim Fuhs. He'll lace up skates against his brother, current forward Jared Fuhs. The offense is also made up of Brad Robbins, Jeff Jepsen, JJ Plutt, Matt Schenk, Justin Altoff, Frank Kubas, Denis Belkin, Ryan Tessmer, Robbie Farmer, Jim Roach, Brandon Steffek, and Billy Hemann.
Many proceeds from this weekend will go towards the American Cancer Society and cause that is especially meaningful for the Fuhs brothers. Beck Fuhs, the mother of the two, is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will be in attendance. She'll be dropping a ceremonial first puck tonight as Jim and Jared square off.
Head coach Dan Morris said he hopes to make this the first of an annual event. This particular meeting, however, comes at a good time with the present team on a five-game skid.
"You've got national championship winners on this team," Morris said. "They were the best of the best in the ACHA. Getting their experience back in the locker room is going to be huge for us because they have a chance to come in and teach our guys."
The puck drops tonight at 7:30 between the Bobcats and Ice Ghosts. Check back to ohiobobcatshockey.com for recaps, features and more throughout the weekend.
