The Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League wrapped up their 2022-23 season on Sunday in what was one of the most memorable championship games for everybody playing, coaching, or watching. Ohio University battled against Indiana for almost five periods at Taft Coliseum in Columbus, Ohio. 

Nick Erker got the scoring started, putting the Bobcats up 1-0 with 8:06 left in the first period. It was a back-and-forth opening frame as both teams came out with a lot of energy.

Early in the second period, Peyton Botich put OU up 2-0, but less than 20 seconds later, Will Kiecker got Indiana’s first goal of the game to shorten the lead back to one.

Midway through the second period, Indiana scored back-to-back goals to take the 3-2 lead with half of the game left to play. 

Goaltender Matthew Zazon stood tall the rest of the game for Ohio, facing a substantial amount of shots, most of which came off odd man rushes and shots in the slot, but he never let one past him. 

Thirty-seven seconds into the third period, Nick Erker got his second of the afternoon, putting the game back into a deadlock. 

From there, each team showcased their defense and goaltending, with a lot of huge hits being thrown and scrums breaking out on either end of the ice after plays. This physical brand of hockey continued into overtime, with three notable open ice hits having been laid early in the first overtime. 

With five minutes left in the second overtime, Indiana scored on a rebound to take home the “T-Show” championship.

Both teams are headed to regionals in the ACHA Southeast region taking place February 24th-26th. They join other TSCHL teams Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, and Louisville.

--- Ian Phillips for Ohio Hockey Digest