Mike Gundy Was Right — Oklahoma State IS A Hockey School

TULSA, OK — Tulsa’s BOK Center was jumpin’ on Saturday evening, February 28, as the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners renewed their in-state rivalry on the ice in the annual “Bedlam On Ice” exhibition game.

Part of a hockey doubleheader that also featured the Tulsa Oilers taking on the Rapid City Rush later that night, the collegiate matchup drew a crowd of over 15,000 fans, many decked out in orange and black for the Cowboys.

The atmosphere was pure Bedlam from the opening faceoff, started by a ceremonial puck drop featuring four members of the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic hockey team.

The game quickly turned into a rout, as the Cowboys (ACHA Division 2) delivered a dominant performance, dismantling the Sooners 13-2.

This wasn’t just a win for Oklahoma State, it was a statement. The Cowboys, already enjoying one of their most successful seasons in program history, showed why they’ve been a force all year long. With a near perfect 22-1-0-0 record entering the matchup, OSU has rolled through opponents.

Their reward? A historic first-ever trip to the ACHA Men’s Division 2 National Championships, set for March 12-17 in St. Louis, Missouri. This Bedlam blowout served as the perfect tune-up, building confidence heading into the national stage.

The game started with a bang for the Cowboys. Just six minutes in, they led 2-0, and by the end of the first period, it was 5-0 in their favor. Leading the charge was star forward Kaden Nelson, who notched a hat trick in the opening frame alone.

Nelson, a Duluth, Minnesota native and one of the program’s all-time greats, wasn’t done there. He poured in eight goals total…yes, eight…turning the BOK Center into his personal shooting gallery.

His performance was nothing short of electric, with snipes, quick shots, and a relentless presence that left OU’s goaltenders helpless.

Nelson’s heroics weren’t the only highlight. The Cowboys’ offense clicked on all cylinders, with contributions from throughout the lineup. Defensemen jumped into the rush, and the forecheck was suffocating, forcing turnovers that led to odd-man breaks and quick transitions.

The physicality ramped up as the game progressed, as sticks clashed and the penalty boxes saw heavy traffic.

Multiple players from both sides were ejected, and the ice saw plenty scuffles and fights, a true reflection of Bedlam.  

OSU’s depth was big, as even their third and fourth lines generated scoring chances and kept the pressure on.

For the Sooners, it was a tough night. Despite some flashes of competitiveness in the later periods, where they managed to scratch out two goals, their defense was truly poor.

OU, competing in ACHA Division 1, found themselves outmatched by the Cowboys’ speed and finishing ability. The final tally read 13-2, with OSU outshooting OU by a wide margin and controlling possession for the majority of the contest.

This Bedlam On Ice wasn’t just about OSU vs OU though, it was a celebration of Oklahoma hockey’s growth. The event has become a staple since its inception, drawing fans from across the state to the BOK Center. Tickets doubled as entry to the pro game that followed, creating a full night of hockey action.

For OSU, the victory extended their dominance in the series this season. Rumors of potential NCAA elevation swirl around the program, but for now, the focus is on potentially hoisting a trophy in St. Louis.

The pre-game hype received a major boost from none other than former Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy, whose comments about the program being a “hockey school” went viral back in November 2025.

In a promotional video for Bedlam On Ice, Gundy broke his silence after stepping down from the football program, declaring with signature smirk: “Oklahoma State fans, I’m hearing we’re a hockey school now. How about that. Oklahoma State hockey. You guys better get your tickets right now to Bedlam February 28th. I need to come see that myself. I’m excited. I like me some hockey. I’m fired up. Go Pokes hockey. I love that.”

His words, while seemingly a bit sarcastic, captured the buzz around Cowboys hockey.

After Saturday night’s result, Oklahoma State fans are now echoing Gundy’s sentiment. Oklahoma State isn’t just playing hockey; it’s becoming a hockey school.