DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Miami University's hockey team has one more series to get through before it can turn its full attention to Michigan.

The Wolverines and RedHawks are ranked 1-2 in both of the national polls — United States College Hockey Online.com/CSTV and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine — released Monday. The two teams, who are tied atop the Central College Hockey Association standings with 30 points, meet Feb. 8-9 in Oxford. Michigan is 22-2-0 overall and 15-1-0 in the CCHA; Miami is 23-3-0, 15-3-0.

"It's going to be a big series and we're excited about it," said Miami goaltender Charlie Effinger, who was in net Friday in Miami's 6-1 win over Lake Superior State. "At the same time, these upcoming games are crucial in order to put ourselves in a spot where that series means something. We have to take care of business."

Before they tangle with the top-ranked Maize and Blue, the second-ranked RedHawks will make the roughly 3,000-mile trek from Oxford to Fairbanks for a two-game CCHA series this weekend against Alaska.

The Nanooks (5-13-4 overall, 5-10-4 CCHA) have struggled this season, but split a two-game series at Miami last month. Since its 3-1 loss to Alaska on Dec. 9, Miami has won nine of 10 games, outscoring its opponents 45-18 over that span.

"It's been that way all season," said Miami freshman forward Carter Camper, who is tied for ninth nationally with 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists). "Great leadership teaches you how to deal with victories and how to deal with losses. That's what we've had this season. We're able to come back after a win or a loss and play our best game the next night."

After their trip to Alaska, the RedHawks are idle the weekend before Michigan comes to town.

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