Linda Donnelly // Isaac Bosse scores a goal on Feb. 15, 2019

Editor’s note: We want to extend our deepest condolences to the Arizona Wildcats on the passing of Timothy Gassen. He was their media director and accomplished many other things as far as advancing hockey in the desert. As has been mentioned, the Wildcats are the reigning WCHL champions.

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A few number changes, one historic senior class graduated, some new faces and one mutual disdain: it’s finally time for Oklahoma-UCO.

UCO’s group of Donald Danroth, Spencer Peratalo, Brandon Formosa and Jake Daughtry collectively earned three straight WCHL titles from 2016-18 and they were the core for the Bronchos adding two national championships to their trophy case. Those guys have now gone their separate ways, ushering in a new era of UCO hockey.

Scott Joy, Isaac Bosse, Trevor Finch, Ray Wilson and Charles Joly all are donning new jersey numbers. The Sooners are regularly icing four freshman skaters and the goaltenders behind Phil Babb are rookies as well.

All of these things are true and different from the last matchup, but as mentioned above: the two sides will hate each other just as much.

In the cover photo game, Danroth opened the scoring. It stayed at a stalemate until Isaac Bosse dropped the hammer. UCO’s Cody Campbell (also no longer a Broncho) had either a teammate block previous attempts or saved it, but this one went high corner.

Linda Donnelly // Goal from (not pictured) Isaac Bosse

Pictured in both photos so far is Zach Pard, who snuck into the slot late and scored on Campbell. There remained 1:35 in period 3, and UCO’s Brandon Formosa went on to tie it. Alex Durbeniuk (current team member) won it for UCO, writing another chapter in the classic rivalry. 

The teams traveled up north the day after; Scott Joy and Luc Whyte had the Sooners tied 2-2 going into period 3. UCO’s Drake Cartwright made the most of an open chance to again win 3-2.

Almost a year to the day of this being written, Oklahoma won 5-4 (SO) at Arctic Edge on Nov. 30, 2018. Three straight goals from Finch, Pusar and O’Dea had the score 3-2 OU at the second intermission. Danroth scored 56 seconds in and former Sooners #16 Mike Behm regained the lead at the 7:06 mark of P3. Landon Robin sent it to OT because everyone loves free hockey. Josh Pusar was the lone shootout marker.

#8 Central Oklahoma (13-7-2), (6-5-2 WCHL) so far has had the following: a pair of regulation wins over current #4 Lindenwood; a home forfeit on Oct. 4 following their original 7-1 victory over #5 Arizona and an 0-2-1 record against the #15 Sun Devils. Nial Mills, Dom Kolbeins and Grayden Hohl are leading the team in points all with 20 apiece. As I mentioned in the summer, UCO scooped up Vitali Mikhailov from the OKC Blazers. He checks in with 19 points in 22GP. 

Per the ACHA website, UCO is still in possession of championship goaltender Alex Henry but no longer Cody Campbell. CJ Wedenig is sporting a .929 with one shutout. The Bronchos’ backup goaltending has always been solid.

#12 Oklahoma (13-3-0), (7-3-0 WCHL) hasn’t played a WCHL conference game since their 3-2 victory over Arizona on Nov. 9, and Thursday’s series opener at Blazers Ice Centre will be Dec. 5. Almost a month without facing one of its six conference opponents has gifted the Sooners two (conference) games in hand on UCO and they play twice this week. 

Since Fall 2017, the rivalry has traditionally been an away team series. 2016’s #2 Mason Miller scored the OT-winner against UCO on Feb. 6, 2016 and it stands as the last time Oklahoma defeated UCO at Blazers. The Sooners have won at least one game at Arctic Edge since the beginning of ’17-18, however.

If Oklahoma can defeat UCO in any fashion, they would (depending on rankings shifts) be able to boast four top-25 wins (#5, #8, #15 and #22). Of course, seeding and placements are all according to computers and algorithms, but the naked eye says that’s pretty good.

PROJECTED STARTERS:

Thursday, Dec. 5 (UCO)

Babb vs. Wedenig

Friday, Dec. 6 (@UCO)

Babb vs. Henry

All photos are credited to Linda Donnelly. You can follow her here.

Thanks for reading.

Written by John Adkins, Broadcaster and Deputy Media Director