DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — The Miami University hockey team is on the road again.

And that's a good thing.

Perfect in nine games on the road this season, the top-ranked RedHawks continue a stretch of eight games and 41 days away from home ice with a two-game Central College Hockey Association series today and Saturday at Bowling Green.

"We just approach every game the same way," Miami coach Enrico Blasi said of his team's road success. "Let's play our best hockey and prepare well during the week. It's no different than how we prepare at home. Our guys are confident with that approach and hopefully we can keep it going."

The RedHawks, who have been on top of the United States College Hockey Online.com/CSTV poll for eight of the last nine weeks, are 18-2-0, 10-2-0 in the CCHA. They lead the nation in scoring margin, tallying nearly three more goals per game (4.3) than they allow (1.5).

Four straight losses have knocked Bowling Green (8-8-0, 5-5-0 CCHA) out of the top 20. The Falcons lost to No. 9 Northeastern and No. 13 Wisconsin last weekend in the Badger Showdown. The Falcons were swept by No. 2 Michigan in their final two games before Christmas.

But BG, which is led by senior forward Derek Whitmore (18 points) and senior defenseman Kevin Shields (15 points), is much improved, having already topped last season's win total of seven.

"It's another challenge for us," Blasi said. "It's a tough building to play in. I don't know what kind of crowd they'll have because the student body isn't back yet. Either way, it's going to be a tough weekend, and I think we're ready for it."

Defense dominating

MU continues to dominate on defense, allowing just 30 goals in 20 games. It's a record-setting pace. The 2002-03 team holds the school record for fewest goals against with 101. Through its first 20 games, that team had allowed 52 goals.

Jones-ing for goals

Senior captain Ryan Jones needs five goals to move into second place on Miami's all-time goal scoring list. Jones is currently tied for third with Mike Orn with 76 career goals. Rick Kuraly (101) and Vern Sketchley (80) rank first and second.

Miami gets No. 500

The RedHawks' 3-2 victory over Ohio State last weekend in the title game of the Ohio Hockey Classic was the 500th win in program history.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2506 or jboyle@coxohio.com.