After literally limping its way to a losing record last season, the Miami RedHawks hockey team has squashed the injury bug and worked its way to the No. 2 ranking in the country.
We knew we just needed to really continue to focus our attention on getting better and playing better hockey
coach Enrico Blasi said.
The Redhawks (13-2-3, 10-1-1 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) have been doing just that throughout their 10-game winning streak, which was extended by winning the Ohio Hockey Classic in Columbus on Dec. 30 with a 3-1 shootout victory over Ohio State.
Hockey nation has certainly taken notice, as Blasi has fielded interviews from such sites as NHL.com. However, because of last season's misfortunes, Blasi said it has been easy to keep the team grounded despite the national attention.
We were at the bottom last year and we wouldn't forget it Blasi said. Things could change in a moment's notice and we could not take things for granted.
Miami is captained by senior defenseman Andy Greene, who has 15 points - six goals and nine assists - thus far this season. Blasi was quick to praise the leader of his team.
The things he does on the ice are very special
but off the ice
you don't see how hard he works in the weight room and in the community.
Miami's return to glory - they were in the NCAA tournament two years ago - has just added to the fanfare that generally follows the team.
The attention has given the student body and the community a lot of excitement
Blasi said. Even when we're not playing
there's a lot of people talking.
MAC splits two games in bowl season xt>In the GMAC Bowl in Mobile
Ala. on Dec. 21
highly-touted NFL prospect Bruce Gradkowski went out with a win as Toledo dominated the Texas-El Paso Miners
45-13. xt>The Rockets' quarterback, named the most valuable player of the game, completed 18-of-30 passes for 298 yards and five touchdowns in his final collegiate game. xt>It's been a pleasure, and what a way to go out, Gradkowski told reporters following the game. He is expected to join Marshall's Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington
Miami of Ohio's Ben Roethlisberger
