Fans wish well to Miami

OXFORD , OH – Known for its high caliber football program, the University of Miami (OH) is often overlooked even by name to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. The RedHawks have enjoyd a fine athletic tradition over the years having the second highest graduation rate in college sports, bettered only by the Naval Academy.  While most fans of the University support it solely on the gridiron, 1,000 fans turned out on Sunday to wish the hockey team off to the Frozen Four in Washington, D.C. The RedHawks have played well all season, winning the games that they needed to win, never letting teams get the better of them.  A well disciplined team that finished third in the conference in penalty minutes, but still had the fourth lowest goals allowed per game. Miami carried a 4-1-1 record against some of the other heavy weights in the CCHA such as (Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State. None of those teams made it past the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.  Where the rest of the teams Miami’s conference failed, the RedHawks prevailed. With a first round upset of the top seeded University of Denver, and a second round defeat of WCHA Champion Minnesota-Duluth, the RedHawks established themselves as one of the four premier college hockey programs this season.  Miami did not allow an even strength goal until there were two minutes left in their second round game against Minnesota-Duluth. Using sharp goaltending from freshman Cody Reichard, along with strong defensive team play, and stellar offense from Justin Mercier, Miami has made a date with Bemidji State on Thursday afternoon at 5:00 PM EST. The Beavers have already made their mark on the CCHA this postseason upsetting the number one seeded Notre Dame in the opening round of the Frozen Four Tournament.  While Bemidji State managed one victory against the Irish, Miami was able to beat Notre Dame twice this season in South Bend, IN by a combined score of 5-2.  Bemidji became the first school outside of the “Big 5” (CCHA, WCHA, Hockey East, Atlantic Hockey, and the ECAC) conferences to their make way to the Frozen Four. The Beavers will need to continue their strong play when they meet what has been the CCHA’s best offering all season.  While the RedHawks came into the tournament as a number four seed, and finishing second in the CCHA, the school has not experienced the highs and lows that a lot of schools have. If Miami continues to play consistent, there could be much to celebrate on Easter Sunday for the RedHawks. A win on Thursday will set up the National Championship against the winner of the proceeding game against the University of Vermont and Boston University.  A loss will mean the end of the season for Miami. You may contact the author at:  john.strathman@prohockeynews.com