McWard Named B1G Third Star of the Week – Ohio State Buckeyes

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cole McWard, a sophomore defenseman on the No. 15/14 Ohio State men’s hockey team, has been recognized as the Big Ten Third Star of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. McWard had a team-best three points and six shot blocks as the Buckeyes split at then-No. 6/5 Penn State last weekend.

In a 2-1 loss in the series opener, McWard tied the game in the second period with an unassisted goal and had two blocked shots. In game two, he posted two assists, with helpers on a go-ahead goal a minute after Penn State had tied the game and on the eventual gamewinner. He blocked a team-best and career-high tying four shots in the 4-3 victory. McWard and the Buckeye defense kept Penn State, who entered the game fifth nationally in goals per game (3.75), to five total goals in the series and the Buckeyes were 9-for-10 on the penalty kill vs. the Nittany Lions.

This season, McWard has five points, with two goals and three assists, along with 20 shot blocks. Saturday was his third career two-assist game and his fourth career outing with two points.

The Buckeyes are off this weekend and will close the first half of the schedule with a home-and-home series vs. Bowling Green. The Buckeyes and Falcons will meet at 7:07 p.m. Dec. 16 in Bowling Green and at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 in Columbus. The game in Columbus is the team’s Teddy Bear Toss; fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to throw on the ice after the first period. The donated animals will be delivered to Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. Single-game and group tickets and mini plans are all on sale now, with more information on OhioStateBuckeyes.com/tickets. Parking is free for all home games in VCA.