DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Miami University's hockey team is headed for "The Joe" with a full head of steam.

Junior goaltender Jeff Zatkoff was a puck-blocking force with 41 saves Saturday, March 15, as the RedHawks completed their two-game quarterfinal sweep of visiting Bowling Green in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament.

Seniors Ryan Jones and Nathan Davis marked goals in their final appearances at Steve Cady Arena, boosting MU in a 4-2 triumph before a crowd of 3,258.

"I was talking to Nate, and I said, 'At least we can say we scored in the last game at the Goggin,' " said Jones, who has 30 goals this season. "At the same time, it's sad because we're never going to play on this ice surface in front of these people again. So mixed emotions, but obviously we're happy that we're going to 'The Joe.' "

Joe Louis Arena in Detroit is, indeed, the next stop for Miami (31-6-1), which will play in the CCHA semifinals Friday, March 21. The time and opponent have yet to be determined.

"Z said in between the second and third (periods), 'Let's go to The Joe with some mo(mentum),' " Jones said. "We didn't want to just squeak one out. We wanted to go in there on a flying note."

Justin Mercier scored in the opening six minutes for the RedHawks, and Carter Camper made it 2-0 at 13:22 of the first period.

Miami never trailed, though the hosts got outshot 43-22.

"Zatkoff was definitely the difference tonight," MU coach Enrico Blasi said. "He made some big saves, and he made some saves look routine. Our focus is to play good team defense, keep things to the outside and make sure we're giving Z an opportunity to see the puck. As long as he's doing that, he's capable of making the saves."

Zatkoff faced 18 shots in the opening period, allowing a goal by Tommy Dee.

"We knew they were going to be a desperate team," Zatkoff said. "Fortunately, I was able to see the puck well tonight. It's nice as a goalie when you're able to build a little momentum and get into a little bit of a groove. I was able to take that first period and run with it."

Tommy Wingels (two), Camper, Mercier, Andy Miele, Mitch Ganzak and Brian Kaufman all had assists for Miami, which once again killed penalties with proficiency.

"They not only kill off the power plays, but they gain momentum from that," Bowling Green coach Scott Paluch said. "I'm extremely proud of our team and the way we competed all night. There was belief there. We had plenty of chances to score, but Zatkoff was outstanding."

Brandon Svendsen notched a goal and Nick Eno had 18 saves between the pipes for the Falcons (18-21).