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Sports TwitterRedHawks' defense leads way to the top
Miami hockey has given up 18 goals in first 12 contests en route to 11-1 start, No. 1 national rank.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
OXFORD — If defense wins championships, this season could be very special for Miami University's hockey team.
A dominating 'D' is a big reason why the RedHawks are ranked No. 1 in the nation and off to an 11-1-0 start. Miami has surrendered just 18 goals in 12 games.
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"Our goaltenders (Jeff Zatkoff and Charlie Effinger) have really played well and our team defense has really stepped up," Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. "Guys have a lot of pride in playing defense. Sometimes when we have the puck, that's our best defense. Our guys have really taken care of the puck and made good decisions. All of that contributes to good defense."
Zatkoff (9-1-0, 1.40 goals-against average) has seen most of the work in net this season, but Effinger has been perfect (2-0-0, 2.0 gaa) when called upon. Senior Mitch Ganzak (plus-12) and junior Kevin Roeder (plus-10) lead the defensive corps in front of the Miami net.
The RedHawks' lockdown defense has allowed two goals or less every game this season, including last week's impressive road sweep over defending national champion and third-ranked Michigan State (4-2, 3-1) in Central Collegiate Hockey Association play.
"Playing on the road in our league is tough enough, let alone going into Michigan State's building when they're the defending national champs," Blasi said. "We got some bounces, but our guys played very well and very hard. It's huge in our season so far."
Miami remained No. 1 in the United States College Hockey Online poll and reclaimed the top spot in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine rankings that were released on Monday. CCHA rival Michigan (11-1-0) is No. 2 in both polls.
The RedHawks host Canisius (2-7-2) in nonconference play Friday (7:35 p.m.) and Saturday (7:05 p.m.) at Steve Cady Arena.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2506 or jboyle@coxohio.com
