From regional dominance to national spotlight: Oklahoma State Cowboy Hockey charges into their first ACHA M2 Championships against Michigan State
ST. LOUIS, MO — The Oklahoma State Cowboy Hockey team is riding high into uncharted territory as they make their nationals debut in the ACHA Men’s Division 2 National Championships.
Set to face Michigan State on Thursday, March 12, at 1:45 p.m. CDT, the Cowboys are poised to show their skill on the national stage.
This marks a milestone for the program, which has transformed from a modest club team into a regional powerhouse, fueled by standout performances and growing buzz around its future.
With pool play kicking off against the Spartans, followed by Army on Friday at 2 p.m. and defending champions Tampa on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., OSU aims to leverage their momentum for a deep tournament run. Fans in Oklahoma and beyond can catch every shot live on FloHockey.tv.
The road to St. Louis was paved with dominance at the Western Regionals in Salt Lake City last month. Ranked No. 1 in the region, the Cowboys dismantled No. 16 Washington 10-0 in their opener on February 20, followed by a convincing 9-2 victory over Arizona State on February 21.
These wins not only secured their nationals berth but also showed the Cowboys offensive firepower and stifling defense.
OSU added an exhibition win with a beating over archrival Oklahoma on February 28 at Tulsa’s BOK Center. In a lopsided Bedlam clash, the Cowboys overwhelmed the Sooners 13-2, with multiple goals in each period.
This victory, played before over 15,000 fans, added to Cowboy morale heading into postseason play.
At the heart of OSU’s success are key players who have lit up the scoresheet in the 2025-26 ACHA M2 season. Forward Kaden Nelson leads the charge with an astonishing 104 points (46 goals, 58 assists) in 24 games, making him one of the league’s top scorers. Close behind is Corbin Roach, another forward tallying 82 points (38 goals, 44 assists) in 22 outings, while Zion Green anchors the playmaking with 79 points, including a team-high 60 assists. Freshman forward Cooper Matthews has been a breakout star, contributing timely goals, including in the regional triumphs and the OU rout.
On defense, Gibson Duhe and Norwegian import Eirik Moger provide stability, while sophomore goalie William Carney has been a wall in net, boasting strong save percentages in bigger games.
The roster’s international flavor, including Casper Rys Sakrisvold from Norway, adds depth and experience to a squad that’s clicked under pressure.
Looking ahead, the pool play format presents both opportunities and challenges. Michigan State, a perennial contender, will test OSU’s speed and discipline right out of the gate. Army brings a disciplined, physical style, while Tampa, fresh off last year’s title, looms as the group finale.
A top-two finish in the pool would advance them to the knockout rounds, where anything can happen in March hockey madness.
Off the ice, rumors swirl about OSU hockey’s ambitious future. Reports suggest benefactor Michael Mann, a Dallas financier and club chairman, is pushing for an on-campus arena and a leap to NCAA Division I by 2030, potentially backed by a $200 million donation. Renderings of a proposed 2,000-seat facility have circulated online, sparking excitement among fans.
However, athletic director Chad Weiberg has tempered expectations, citing financial hurdles in college athletics and describing the talks as preliminary. If realized, it could elevate OSU into a realized real life “hockey school”.