Ohio State Stuns No. 1 Michigan 5-2
The Buckeyes handed the top-ranked Wolverines their first loss of the 2026-27 season at Value City Arena.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Hockey
Ohio State defeated top-ranked Michigan 5-2 at Value City Arena on Saturday, October 31. Michigan suffered its first loss of the season in game eight, ending a six-game winning streak against the Buckeyes.
Why it matters
The win gave Ohio State its first conference victory and a 1-0-0 Big Ten record, while Michigan's unbeaten run ended in its eighth game. The result shifts early-season standings in the conference.
Jack Ivankovic recorded 27 saves for Michigan in the 5-2 loss, while Ohio State outshot Michigan 32-28. Michigan had won six straight games against Ohio State entering the contest, and the outcome ended that run.
The players
Michigan Wolverines
The University of Michigan's ice hockey program, which entered the game ranked No. 1 and carried a 7-1-0 record before the loss.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State University ice hockey program, which earned its first Big Ten conference win in the 5-2 victory over Michigan.
Jack Ivankovic
Michigan's goaltender who made 27 saves in the loss to Ohio State.
Brandon Naurato
Michigan's head coach who pulled Ivankovic with about five minutes left in regulation to add an extra attacker.
Cole McKinney
Ohio State forward who scored the third-period goal that narrowed the score to 3-2.
The details
Ohio State led 2-1 after two periods and had a goal disallowed earlier when Michigan's coaching staff successfully challenged an offside call. Cole McKinney scored with an extra attacker at 16:52 of the third period to make it 3-2, and Ohio State added two empty-net goals to finish 5-2 after head coach Brandon Naurato pulled Ivankovic with a shade under five minutes left.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Ohio State defeats Michigan 5-2 at Value City Arena.
November 1, 2026: The weekend series finale is scheduled in Columbus at 7:30 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The loss ends Michigan's unbeaten run and its recent streak of wins over Ohio State, which had stood at six straight games entering the matchup. For Ohio State, the victory marks its first conference win of the season and an early step in the Big Ten race.
Michigan's loss drops it out of the unbeaten ranks, which matters for playoff and ranking math this early in the season. Fans and fantasy managers tracking Jayden Perron should note that his 13-game point streak and nine-game goal streak both ended in this game.
The takeaway
A single weekend result can reset a rivalry's momentum, and Ohio State's win gives it a foothold in the Big Ten standings heading into the series finale. Watching the November 1 game will show whether the Buckeyes can build on it.
What happens next
Ohio State and Michigan's weekend series continues with a finale in Columbus on November 1, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more on the teams and season, see Hockey coverage across the Columbus sports desk.
