Heading into the final games of the regular season this week, the six members of the Ohio State men’s hockey Class of 2021 will be highlighted. The group has been a part of a Big Ten regular season title, NCAA Frozen Four trip and two NCAA Tournament appearances (along with a probable third straight trip in 2020 before the season was ended because of the COVID pandemic).
The Buckeyes host Arizona State in Value City Arena at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the games streamed through BTN Plus and on Ohio State Radio.
Grant Gabriele, a defenseman from Brighton, Michigan, starts the senior spotlight series.
Gabriele is an alternate captain for the Buckeyes this season. He has skated in 84 games in the Scarlet and Gray, with 29 points on eight goals and 21 assists, along with 101 career shot blocks. This year he leads the Buckeye blueliners and ranks fifth among B1G defensemen with 12 points, including nine assists, and has 43 shot blocks to rank fifth in the Big Ten.
A sport industry major, Gabriele is slated to graduate this summer.
Q&A with Grant Gabriele
What is your favorite memory as a Buckeye (so far)?
Beating TTUN in Ann Arbor to win the Big Ten regular season title.
What advice would you give to younger Buckeyes?
Take advantage of all of the resources that are available here at Ohio State. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask questions, as there is someone that can give the answer or guide you in the right direction. This is applicable in both hockey and academics.
Any plans for the future, outside of hockey?
Hockey is my plan right now for the foreseeable future. I am excited to see where it takes me.
What does it mean to be a Buckeye?
It is both an unbelievable honor and a great achievement. I feel so fortunate that hockey has guided me down a path that allowed me to play the game I love at such a prestigious university. The friendships and memories I have made are ones that can never be taken away. To be part of the Buckeye family is a gift within itself, but having the opportunity to wear a letter on my jersey makes the journey that much more humbling. We are one big family here and I look forward to crossing paths with fellow Buckeyes down the road.
How do you think you’ve changed from freshman year to now?
My biggest change throughout the years would be my ability to really live in the moment and take advantage of every day. This is something that is relevant to all aspects of life, as you don’t know what tomorrow brings. Take full advantage of every day and every situation whether it be positive or negative.
Save that puck!
Grant Gabriele with his FIRST tally as a Buckeye. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Sz9dLyeIIW
— Ohio State Men's Hockey (@OhioStateMHKY) January 19, 2019
NO OT TONIGHT!
No. 13 @OhioStateMHKY's Grant Gabriele and Tate Singleton come up clutch late for the Buckeyes to put away Michigan! pic.twitter.com/BU9ZzwIcze
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 2, 2019
🆕 ⭕️ jackets 🔥🔥
Congrats to new letterwinners Tommy Nappier, Evan Moyse, Grant Gabriele, Sean Romeo, Wyatt Ege, Eugene Fadyeyev, manager Jacob LeRoy and (not pictured) Austin Pooley and Michael Rounds! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/sMfNqT8hfc
— Ohio State Men's Hockey (@OhioStateMHKY) April 10, 2018
