MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. (Interstat) — Ohio State and St. Thomas will both put unbeaten records on the line Friday when the Buckeyes visit the Tommies in a women’s NCAA Division I hockey game at St. Thomas Ice Arena.

Both teams are 2-0. Ohio State, the visiting team, opened its season with two road wins at Penn State, including a 2-1 overtime victory and a 2-1 regulation win. The Buckeyes’ most recent result was a 2-1 win at Penn State, led by Rowan Houweling in goal, Rylee Bartz’s goal and Kaia Malachino’s assist. Houweling is a player to watch after making 11 saves on 12 shots in that game. Bartz recorded five shots on goal, while Malachino added three.

St. Thomas also is 2-0 after sweeping New Hampshire at home. The Tommies won 7-2 before closing the series with a 3-1 victory. In the most recent game, Dani Strom stopped 18 of 19 shots, Cara Sajevic scored and recorded six shots on goal, and Maddie Brown scored and put three shots on net. Strom is a player to watch for St. Thomas after a strong start in net. She also made 26 saves on 28 shots in the earlier win over New Hampshire.

Ohio State has scored four goals and allowed two in its first two games. St. Thomas has scored 10 goals and allowed three. The Buckeyes’ wins came against Penn State on the road, while the Tommies swept New Hampshire at home. St. Thomas will seek to use its home rink and crowd, while Ohio State will aim to keep its road success going in Mendota Heights.

The matchup features two teams trying to build early momentum. Ohio State has relied on timely scoring and steady goaltending so far, while St. Thomas has shown offensive depth in its first two games. The Tommies will have home ice, but the Buckeyes enter with a fast start on the road. Ohio State’s defense will be tested by St. Thomas’s ability to create scoring chances. The Buckeyes’ offense will look to support Houweling and pressure the Tommies’ net.

St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights will host the opener of a two-game series. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the series finale. Ohio State will continue its road trip after this game, while St. Thomas will remain at home for its next contest. Both programs are looking to establish themselves early in the season and earn key nonconference results.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Ohio State 7, St. Thomas 1.