The Russ Report: Ole Miss Hockey starts a two-game series with Vanderbilt Friday night

Editor’s Note: We are excited to announce Russ Eddins has joined The Rebel Walk. Russ will bring coverage of the Ole Miss Rebel ice hockey team in his continuing series, “The Russ Report.” Hotty Toddy and welcome to Russ!

OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss Rebel ice hockey team and Vanderbilt will start a two-game series tonight at 9:30 p.m. CT. Game two is on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. CT. Both games will occur at the MidSouth Ice House in Olive Branch, MS.

The Ice Rebs started off the season strong. They won three of their first four games, but it has been a struggle since then.

📢 2023-24 SCHEDULE ‼️

THE BOYS ARE BACK SEPT 15TH!

📍All home games played at @MidSouthIce

👀All home games streamed via @BDEHockey #OleMissHockey #olemiss #hottytoddy #IceRebs pic.twitter.com/cbfXVzM7QL

— Ole Miss Ice Hockey Club (@OleMissHockey) July 31, 2023

They have a 1-7 record in divisional play and are last in CHS (College Hockey South) D2 North with two points. However, the Rebs would jump to six points with two wins this weekend.

Six points would be good enough to be tied with Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee State University for a playoff spot, as the top four CHS D2 North teams advance to the playoffs.

It is worth noting that Vanderbilt is 3-1 in divisional play, and MTSU is 3-3. The Ice Rebs are a talented hockey team. They just have yet to click as a team this season.

Players to Watch 

Vanderbilt

Julian Yang is a forward for the Commodores. He leads the team in goals (8), assists (7), and points (15). He has played in all 16 games this season for Vandy.

Ole Miss

The top scorer for the Rebs is Michael O’Malley. He has tallied 12 goals and 16 points in 12 games. Ole Miss’ Jake Keller will have the most significant impact on this series. Keller notched has three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 12 games.

Keller needs a solid series for the Rebs to succeed this weekend as, simply put, Keller unlocks the offense for the Ice Rebs.

Where To Watch

The Ole Miss hockey game broadcasts all home games on Black Dog Hockey. Cost is $10 for a four-hour pass or $30 for a 30-day pass. Visit the Ole Miss ice hockey website here.

This series against the Commodores presents a very good chance for the Ice Rebs to turn their season around. Two wins will get them right back in playoff contention.

Sticking to the system, playing a full 60-minute game, and not giving up chances off the rush are all critical keys for this series.

Hotty Toddy!