DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — A hugely successful regular season has become ancient history for Miami University's hockey team.

The RedHawks, ranked fourth nationally in the USCHO/CSTV poll, will begin Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament play tonight, March 14, when Bowling Green invades Steve Cady Arena.

"Nobody really cares what you did in the regular season," MU coach Enrico Blasi said. "Our guys are focused on now. I think we've prepared hard. We know what we're up against. Now it's a matter of bringing it (today)."

Miami earned a first-round bye in the tournament, giving the squad time to heal some bumps and bruises. Freshman forward Carter Camper has recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to return to action after a month on the sideline.

The Falcons, meanwhile, had to gut out an overtime triumph in Game 3 of their series against Lake Superior State last weekend.

"There's always a lot of energy and emotion that comes out of a series like that," Bowling Green coach Scott Paluch said. "We're certainly feeling good that we're still alive, but we know this is a challenge. They're not ranked No. 1 right now, but to me, Miami is still the most complete team in college hockey."

The RedHawks were ranked first Jan. 4 when they traveled north and got knocked off 4-2 by the Falcons. MU rebounded with a 5-2 triumph the next night.

"The first night, they really took it to us," Blasi said. "We did a much better job the second night making better decisions with the puck. They work extremely hard and have very good, offensive-minded players."

BGSU junior Jimmy Spratt (6-10, 3.02 goals-allowed average) was in goal for both of those games, though freshman Nick Eno (12-9, 2.73) has been a significant factor down the stretch for the Falcons.

Paluch wouldn't reveal today's starter, but said both goaltenders will probably see action this weekend.

"Based on what we've seen all year, that's an honest answer," Paluch said.

Blasi said junior Jeff Zatkoff (23-5-1, 1.70) will likely be Miami's starting goalie this evening, and he'll be facing one of the nation's top scorers in Falcons senior Derek Whitmore.

Whitmore has 27 goals and nine assists this season, while freshman teammate Jacob Cepis has 15 goals and 16 assists.

"We get a lot of different contributions from different players," Paluch said. "We're not very big. When we're playing well, it's because our feet are moving and we're able to possess the puck. We're definitely a blue-collar team."

Paluch said the squad's best defenseman, sophomore Kyle Page, is doubtful to play against Miami after suffering a wrist injury last weekend.

Armed with an 18-19 record, BGSU has the most wins of any Falcons team in the past decade.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.