According to Ohio State coach John Markell, sophomore defenseman Dan Harrison has left the OSU hockey program due to personal reasons.
Harrison, who received Honorable Mention for last season’s CCHA All-Rookie Team, has left school and returned to his home in Newmarket, Ont.
Harrison was third in scoring for the Buckeyes last year, with 19 points (five goals, 14 assists). This season Harrison played in five of OSU’s seven games and had two assists.
“When he left, he was the best all-around defenseman on the team,” said Markell. “He had the potential to go very far in this league.”
The Buckeyes are hurting defensively this season. Because of the lack of defensive depth, former left winger junior Dan Cousineau has made the move from offense to defense. Markell is pleased with Cousineau’s defensive play, and Cousineau himself has said he’s happy to be getting the ice time after sitting out much of last season.
Markell said he expects walk-on freshman defenseman Ryan Degrendel to step up. “He has what it takes to play Division I hockey,” said Markell.
Degrendel will make the trip with the Buckeyes as they travel to Lake Superior State.
