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UD vs. Northern Kentucky
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Miami hockey team helps coach set record again
With victory over Ohio State, RedHawks pass Blasi's former team in regular-season wins.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
COLUMBUS — It was 15 years ago that junior hockey player Enrico Blasi helped Miami University break a team record. And now, 15 years later as the school's head coach, he has done the same thing with the same record.
The RedHawks slipped past the Ohio State Buckeyes 2-1 Tuesday night, Feb. 26, at Value City Arena to surpass the school record for most regular-season victories with No. 28.
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The old record of 27 was first set in 1993 under coach George Gwozdecky with the help of players like Blasi and Chris Bergeron, one of Blasi's assistant coaches.
"It's not something we set out to do this year, but it happened in the process, and I'm very proud of the team," said Blasi, whose RedHawks improved to 28-6-1 overall, 20-6-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
"The guys were getting on us since me and coach Bergeron were on the first team that won 27," Blasi later added with a grin.
The 1996-97 Miami team, coached by Mark Mazzoleni, also won 27.
There were other milestones Tuesday.
Miami goaltender Jeff Zatkoff, who blanked the Buckeyes over the final 59:01, recorded his 23rd win to break the team's single-season record set in 1992-93 by Richard Schmulistra.
Also, the RedHawks finally evened the all-time series with the Buckeyes at 55-55-10 by beating them for the fourth time this season.
Miami broke a 1-1 tie 5:25 into the third period on a goal by sophomore Jarod Palmer, who swatted home a shot at point-blank range after teammate Andy Miele had fished the puck from behind the OSU net.
The first period had gotten off to a bad start for the RedHawks and quickly got worse.
Miami's Brian Kaufman came within an inch of giving Miami an early lead when he slammed the puck off the OSU pipe 28 seconds in.
Ohio State freshman John Albert was more fortunate with his shot 31 seconds later when his goal found the net to put the Buckeyes on top 1-0.
The RedHawks tied the score 15 minutes later when junior Alexandre Lacombe scored off assists from Justin Vaive and Kevin Roeder.
The two teams will conclude their regular season Friday, Feb. 29, at Steve Cady Arena.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
