Plague frenzied for Denison blood, want win

Oberlin's Ice Hockey Club, the OC Plague, is eagerly awaiting tonight's game against Case Western Reserve University for many reasons. First, they wouldn't mind being 2-0 going into their Dec.11 game against Denison University. Nor would they mind rotating in a healthy and deep bench in preparation for a long, rough season, not to mention three Denison matchups.

Why so much emphasis on Denison? Maybe last year's two heartwrenching losses can explain that. Included in those two losses was a 3rd period, four goal Oberlin comeback that came up short last December. And how about the brawl-fest that characterized the second OC Plague loss in March?

"They're gonna get it, oh yes they will," snarled defenseman senior Rory Keohane. Defenseman sophomore Dan Bourque put it in a less hostile manner: "We are going to have to hit hard and fight in front of the net in order to see any success against Denison."

That attitude will be expected for every game this season. With vastly improved teams like Kenyon College and Case Western Reserve University standing in Oberlin's path, the Plague needs to improve shooting and puck control to improve from last season's pleasing, albeit inconsistent, performance.

A starting line consisting entirely of returning starters hopes to accomplish this feat. They include:

G: Nick Bicknell-tough as nails, and lightning quick...most of the time

RD: Dan "Ray" Bourque-Size and skating ability are pluses, great leader.

LD: Rory "Blades of Steel" Keohane-Boston's Boy. Consistency a strength, but the switch from the forward position may be an obstacle.

RW: Ben Bernard-Accurate shooting and puck handling. Burly son-of-a-gun.

LW: Scott Shepard-Great stick skills. Needs to stop talking.

C: Greg "Snipps" Scranton-Fire and Ice. Unstoppable when he's on.

Reserves:

Tyler "Never Bored" Kord, Evan Kelley, Jessica Freidman, John Martinez, Nicolas "Likes to" Party, Zoltan Szuts, Scott "Q" Houghtaling, Ted "Invertebrate" Carleton, Amanda Ovington, Ben Clark, John "South Beach" Rodger, Ashley Mcilheny, and Douglas Choi.

"Things look good this season, we have a strong starting line and quality players to step it up and fill in" commented Bourque. This will be emphasized due to the heartbreaking loss of senior defenseman Ted Carleton, who broke two vertebrae in his back against Kenyon

Tonight's game, to be played at Winterhurst Ice Rink in Cleveland, promises to be an exciting matchup. It is Oberlin's second of the season. "We can't really tell yet how much they have improved, but we are expecting their best team to be on the ice," said Keohane on the game. "It should be a preview of what's to come this season."

This story was written by a member of the Ice Hockey team.