Ohio State ends Michigan hockey's unbeaten streak

Chicago native Cole McKinney, who was selected in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, got the Wolverines back within a goal when he scored with just over three minutes remaining in regulation, and goaltender Jack Ivankovic off for an extra attacker. OSU then potted two empty-net goals just over a minute apart to seal the deal.

OSU outshot Michigan, 32-28, and also finished 1-for-3 on the power play while snuffing both of Michigan's man-advantage opportunities. Jakub Milota, a fourth-round draftee of the Nashville Predators in 2024, stopped 26 shots in goal for the Buckeyes, while Ivankovic, a second-round selection of Nashville in 2025, finished with 27 stops.

Wolverines rebound in rematch

Michigan gained a series split in the rematch on Sunday night in Columbus as New York Rangers draftee Michael Spence tied the game late in the third period, and Utah Mammoth selection Adam Valentini won it with less than a minute left in the 3-on-3 overtime.

Michael Hage, a first-round choice of the Montreal Canadiens in 2024, had three assists for the Wolverines, including helpers on both the tying and winning goals. The two schools will meet again at Michigan on Jan. 22-23 to close out their regular-season series.

No NCAA Division I men's hockey champion has gone undefeated in winning a national title since Cornell (29-0-0) did so in 1970. The Wolverines last won the NCAA championship in 1998, although they have made four of the last five Frozen Four semifinals. OSU last advanced to the Frozen Four in 2018, and last qualified for the NCAAs in 2025.