Buckeye Preview Many coaches, regardless of sport, will tell you that strong defense is the backbone of a perennially successful program. Even on those nights when everything seems out of synch, the offense appears to be sleepwalking or the opposing team has you scrambling to stay afloat all game long, a consistently effective defensive squad can keep you in contention. And everyone knows how a turnover or strong defensive stand can alter momentum at any time, particularly down the stretch of a hotly contested encounter when a late score might mean the difference between "popping champagne corks", "kissing your sister" or "visiting Heartbreak Hotel". Well, veteran Ohio State coach Jerry Welsh has been around long enough to have heard more than a few coaching philosophies. In fact, he might even be able to recite several of his own. Welsh's primary objective in 1991-92 is to tighten the belt a few notches and get better play on the defensive end. After all, the Buckeyes were 10-4-2 in games where they allowed four goals or less. On the flipside, OSU was just 1-21-2 when the opposition lit five or more red lamps. "An improved defense is heavily expected," stated Welsh,now in his 17th season behind the Buckeye bench. "With Tim Green and Glenn Painter back in the lineup, and healthy, there should be a big difference back there, but I really can't talk about this year's team or wrap up last year's effort without mentioning Mike Bales." "Mike will be a mainstay for us. Our MVP last year, we hope his value is diminished this year, hopefully because of our play defensively. Our main priority this year is to get our goals against average down to a reasonable level. Mike will have a big hand in that." The real battle between the pipes is not for the starting berth, but for the role as Bales' primary understudy. Veteran backup Jim Slazyk returns but will have to ward off the challenge of highly-touted rookie Brent Convery of the Kingston Voyageurs. The return of Green, a medical red-shirt, and Painter, out 23 games with a broken arm, gives Welsh two reasons to be positive about his blueliners. Green is a steady, stay-at-home defender whose presence will help stabilize the OSU back wall, while Painter is a dashing puckhandler and passer who may be underrated defensively due to his offensive prowess. Pencil in versatile senior Brian Baldrica, who topped last year's rearguards in plus/minus rating and you have the hub of the defense. Five players will battle it out for the three remaining berths. Headlining the returnees are rangy sophomores Matt Brandt, the Buckeyes' Most Improved Player a year ago, and recent Hartford Whaler draft choice Rob Peters, along with hardnose third-year player John Graham. But newcomers Sandy Fraser and Steve Richards bring impressive credentials to the OSU camp, and should contend for playing time once they get their feet wet. If Welsh has an even bigger worry than improving his defense, it's molding a more potent front line. Burdened by an ineffective power play most of the season, averaging just over three goals a game and losing three of last season's top five scorers to graduation, Welsh is asking how much offense we can generate. "The forwards appear to be our biggest question mark. Offense was a problem last year and it could very well be a problem this year, so it's certainly an area of concentration." Two seniors top the returnees at center as feisty David Smith and hard-hitting captain Rob Schriner are back for their final OSU campaigns. Smith is blessed with oodles of offensive potential, all he needs is consistency and on-ice composure in order to be a big scorer in the CCHA. Schriner, known primarily for his ferocious checking and penalty killing prowess, continued his season-ending scoring trend by netting 10 points (seven goals) in OSU's final seven contests. Flashy junior Eddie Choi is also back and a return to his early rookie season form would provide Welsh's offense with a much-needed boost. Sophomore Bryan Riedel should anchor the checking line unless Schriner returns to that role. Veterans Greg Burke, Phil Cadman and Ron White, and speedy rookie Kevin Powell, comprise the depth chart at left wing. Burke totalled more points as a junior than in his first two seasons combined. Cadman led the nation with six shorthanded scores, but managed just two even-strength goals. White led the Buckeyes with three game-winning goals a year ago. Powell, who can also play center, is a small, but agressive, freshman who may be even quicker than the fleet-footed Cadman. Returnees Scott Walsh, Mike Merriman and Greg Beaucage, and newcomers Brian Loney and Sacha Guilbault will battle for ice time on the right side. Walsh, injury free for the first time in his career, also netted more points as a junior than he did his previous two campaigns. He could shift to left wing if need be. Merriman, a sophomore, began his rookie season like gangbusters, but slowed considerably over the long haul. Beaucage opened the year on defense, but returned to right wing near midseason. He probably will be used most frequently on the checking line. Loney, perhaps the most highly acclaimed of the newcomers, is a power player who should fit in nicely, particularly at home, while Guilbault's game is more finesse-oriented. Both should help. "We need to take care of our own business first and become a better hockey club and a more consistent hockey club. But I think we've got a better chance this year than last year to finish in fourth spot or better," added Welsh. -- Keith instone @ (euclid bullwinkle andy) .bgsu.edu