Ohio State Defeats Michigan State 6–4 to Capture MCRHL AA Division Conference Championship

Ohio State claimed the MCRHL AA Division Conference Championship on Saturday evening at Salt Creek Sports Center in Palatine, Illinois, defeating Michigan State 6–4 in an exciting, back-and-forth contest. Balanced scoring from the Buckeyes helped overcome a remarkable individual performance from Michigan State’s Ryan Folic to secure the title.

Fast Start for the Buckeyes

Ohio State wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard. Just 21 seconds into the opening period, Tanner Buck finished a setup from Thomas Marriner and Brian Kitchen to give the Buckeyes an early 1–0 lead.

Michigan State answered midway through the period when Ryan Folic tied the game at 2:52, finishing a pass from Tyler Reckin. Despite a pair of penalties assessed to the Spartans later in the period, Ohio State was unable to capitalize, and the teams headed into the first intermission tied 1–1.

Offensive Exchange in the Second Period

The second period saw both teams trade momentum in a fast-paced stretch.

Michigan State grabbed its first lead early when Folic scored his second goal of the night at 2:17 on an unassisted effort. Ohio State responded quickly, however, with Brian Kitchen tying the game at 3:01.

The Buckeyes then took the lead moments later when Josh Tidd found the back of the net at 6:49 off a feed from Morgan Heck. Michigan State answered again less than a minute later as Folic completed his hat trick at 7:25, tying the game at 3–3.

Ohio State regained the advantage late in the period when Buck scored his second goal of the game at 9:56, finishing another play started by Heck to give the Buckeyes a 4–3 lead heading into the final frame.

Buckeyes Hold Off Spartans in the Third

Michigan State continued to rely on Folic in the third period, and the forward delivered again at 4:02, scoring his fourth goal of the game off an assist from Leo Rihn V to tie the game once more.

Ohio State responded midway through the period when Marriner restored the lead at 6:30, finishing a play from Buck and Kitchen to make it 5–4.

With Michigan State pressing late for the equalizer, Marriner sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 10:45, securing the 6–4 championship win for Ohio State.

Ohio State’s offense was powered by several key contributors. Marriner and Buck each recorded two goals and one assist, while Kitchen added a goal and two assists. Heck also contributed two assists in the victory.

In goal, Tammy Chiu made 16 saves on 20 shots to earn the win.

For Michigan State, Folic delivered a standout performance with all four of the Spartans’ goals.