Miami hockey has had troubles in Alaska

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Maimi's Jarod Palmer attempts a shot on Notre Dame's Jordan Pearce during a semi-final CCHA tournament game at Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Maimi's Jarod Palmer attempts a shot on Notre Dame's Jordan Pearce during a semi-final CCHA tournament game at Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Palmer has been part of some tough road series with Nanooks, hopes to come back with wins.

By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 7:50 AM Friday, January 22, 2010

OXFORD — Jarod Palmer sees the trap, but he’s a senior making his third long trip to Alaska.

He has the experience to realize that Miami University’s second-ranked hockey team has some obstacles to overcome when it faces the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in a two-game series this weekend in the frozen north.

“Traveling 24 hours on an airplane ... it’s a grueling flight up there,” Palmer said. “And then coming into Alaska, which traditionally doesn’t have a highly ranked team, they catch lots of teams by surprise. The big thing for us is to respect the opponent, to come out with a lot of focus, a lot of drive.”

Miami is hoping for its second straight sweep on the road. The RedHawks had regrouped from their two stunning losses to Robert Morris two weeks ago by scoring a pair of wins at No. 8/9 Ferris State last weekend.

Those victories weren’t all that surprising. Miami has saved its best hockey for its best opponents this season. But the reverse also has been true.

“We do have a poor track record against teams that aren’t ranked very high,” Palmer said. “That’s something we need to work on. But that’s pretty common for a lot of teams. This is definitely a test for our team’s maturity level.”

The Nanooks aren’t ranked, but they are good enough to receive votes in both major polls.

In any case, Palmer isn’t likely to treat this series lightly. He remembers his freshman year when the RedHawks traveled to Fairbanks and were taken into overtime twice. They left with a 2-1 loss and a 3-3 tie.

“I’ve gone up there and gotten slapped and had the worst trip home of my life,” Palmer remembered, “so I certainly respect them.”

He also respects the Carlson Center, home of the Nanooks.

“One of the tough things about this trip is adjusting to the ice surface,” Palmer said. “It’s super huge. It’s got deep corners and a lot of depth behind the net. The ice is as hard as a rock and fast as can be. But I think it’s a fun rink to be in.”

Palmer will take some personal momentum to Alaska. He had a goal and assist in each of Miami’s victories last week.

“I needed a couple goals to get my confidence back,” said the native of Fridley, Minn., who ranks third on the team in scoring with 22 points.

“When you’re not scoring, you’re doubting your capabilities and suddenly you’re shooting less,” Palmer said. “That happens so fast. I went a few games this year without a point, and then you’ve got all week to think about it. It’s something I’ve gotten a lot better at, to not think about it. Just shoot the puck more and go to the net harder.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

Next games

Who: No. 2 Miami RedHawks (15-4-5, 12-1-3-1 CCHA) at Alaska Nanooks (10-7-5, 7-7-4-4)
When: 11:05 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, and 11:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23
Where: Carlson Center (4,324), Fairbanks, Alaska
Radio: WMOH-AM (1450) both days

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