Bobcat Hockey - Decades of Excellence

Last season, the OHIO Bobcats finished 30-6-2 in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League, capping off their season with a regular season championship and reaching the semifinals of the American Collegiate Hockey League Division I National Tournament. Now, we are asking for your support to push the Bobcats to the national tournament again this year.

UPDATE: All donors who make (or already made) a gift of $20 or more to this campaign before November 5 will receive an exclusive Bobcat Hockey sticker. Thank you donors for supporting OHIO Hockey!

Thank you 60's Guys for providing a $10,000 matching gift in support of OHIO Hockey! This 1:1 match doubled the impact of the first $10,000!

DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Bobcat Hockey enters its 65th season this year. When it began in 1957, John McComb ventured onto a frozen pond at the old Asylum grounds and gathered the group of men playing hockey there to share his dream of an ice hockey team at Ohio University. Now, the enthusiasm and passion John showcased that morning has continued to motivate the OHIO Hockey Team for over six decades.

Originally competing independently, the team won two Ohio Inter-Collegiate Hockey Association titles between 1958-1966. From 1974-1990 OHIO Hockey began competing as a club team, both independently and as part of the Midwest College Hockey League, where they won three titles. Since 1991, when the team joined the American College Hockey Association and the Central States College Hockey League conference, OHIO Hockey has risen to be one of the most decorated and respected programs in the American College Hockey Association.

LAST SEASON

Finishing with 30 wins on the season, the Bobcats’ outstanding performance secured them a spot in the ACHA Men's Division I National Tournament for the 31st time in the team's history, maintaining their streak of 30 consecutive appearances. The Bobcats won their first two games at the tournament, reaching the semi-finals for the second consecutive season.

The Bobcats also claimed the Central States Collegiate Hockey League (CSCHL) Regular Season Championship, an achievement that marked their 12th title in school history. This record ties them with Iowa State University for the most championships in CSCHL history. First-year Luc Reeve was named ACHA Men’s Division I Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. Head Coach Lionel Mauron was named ACHA Coach of the Year, as well as CSCHL Coach of the Year. Mauron is the third coach from OHIO to win this award, joining Dan Morris and Craig McCarthy, who won in 2004 and 1998 respectively.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

In honor of the players, coaches, and critical staff members involved in the team’s success over the decade, the OHIO Hockey Decade of Excellence Fund was established to provide continuous support to the team. From travel, tournament fees, equipment, recruitment, and so much more, supporting the OHIO Hockey Decade of Excellence fund is the best way to show your support and admiration for your favorite team!

FROM THE TEAM

“Donors are everything to us. They keep the program running, keep the energy in the rink, and allow us to do what we love to do. I can’t say thank you enough.” –Sam Turner (C) #27

“Donor support is everything. It gets us everything we need to be able to play the game. It helps us function as a team. It’s everything. We really appreciate everything that they give.” –Laker Aldridge #17

“Donor support is huge. It’s everything to us and the team here at Ohio University. When you help us it helps us move forward and keep doing new things. We’re getting better. We’re getting bigger. Thank you so much for your support.” –Tommy Kloepfer #4

“Your generosity does not go unnoticed. It’s how we can do everything that we do. We really appreciate you.” –John McLaughlin #11

Your generous gift to this Hockey campaign will support travel and equipment needs, and more

Your actions now will make this Bobcat Hockey - Decades of Excellence campaign a success. Here are 5 things alumni, parents, and friends can do to support the team and players:

• Make a gift here, in support of OHIO Hockey and the Decade of Excellence fund.
• Mail a check (payable to The Ohio University Foundation) to The Ohio University Foundation, PO Box 869, Athens, OH 45701; be sure to write Ice Hockey, Decade of Excellence on the memo line.
• Donors ages 70.5 and older who would like to make their gift as a Qualified Charitable Distribution, please reach out to Maggi Karagosian.
• If you want to explore making a charitable gift to this campaign via a Donor Advised Fund or stock transfer, please also reach out to Maggi. 
• Share this campaign on your social media accounts to help spread the word.