DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Charlie Effinger has become familiar with the routine. Practice hard every day, be a positive senior leader, watch from the bench on game day.

One might expect the Miami University goaltender to be upset, perhaps even bitter, now that junior Jeff Zatkoff has solidified his position as the No. 1 goalie for the RedHawks hockey team.

Yet Effinger remains true to his school, even as he realizes he likely won't play again this season.

"My view is that Zatkoff is a good goaltender and the team is winning," said Effinger, a Belleville, Ill., native. "As long as the team is having success, I'm comfortable with working hard in practice and preparing myself and my teammates to be ready to play."

Effinger played in 45 games through his first three years in Oxford, splitting time with Zatkoff the last two.

Effinger brought a 26-12-4 career record, a 2.38 goals-allowed average and a .910 save percentage into this season. And his senior numbers have been pretty respectable as well (eight appearances, 6-0, 2.16, .913).

Yet Zatkoff has continued to elevate his play, participating in 34 games (26-7-1, 1.67, .934). Effinger has seen no postseason action.

In short, he's become a valuable insurance policy for Miami between the pipes.

"It's always tough to watch," Effinger said. "But this is just the way it's kind of shaken out this year. I'm here because I want Miami to be the best team they can be. My role's changed this year, but my approach hasn't."

RedHawks coach Enrico Blasi said the move to Zatkoff has been a gradual one. Effinger's role began to decrease last season after he was sidelined for a month with mono.

"I'm sure Charlie will tell you he wants to play," Blasi said. "At the same time, he's very respectful of the situation. I wouldn't be surprised if Charlie went on and did very well for himself in the game after college."

Effinger has sharpened his game under the tutelage of Miami assistant Jeff Blashill. Indeed, Effinger feels like he's as good right now as he's ever been.

"He's really pushed Jeff (Zatkoff) to be the best he can be," Blasi said. "Charlie comes to every practice or game with a smile on his face trying to get better. His worth to our team is probably immeasurable."

Effinger said you'll never catch him rooting against Zatkoff, his roommate on the road.

"I pull for him like he pulls for me — we're genuinely that close," Effinger said. "For me to wish ill fate upon Zats is to wish ill fate upon my classmates, upon my coaches, upon my school. And that's just not who I am."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194

or rcassano@coxohio.com.