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The Miami University Ice Hockey team opened at Steve Cady Arena in grand fashion Saturday night.
The 'Hawks faced off against Canadian foe Ryerson University, defending their home ice with a narrow 4-3 victory.
Senior forward Alexandre Lacombe became the hero with five seconds remaining in the game by slipping a shot past the Ryerson keeper. Though the game was only an exhibition, it had the feel of a regular season game as the students showed up in force.
The 'Hawks did not start smoothly, with Ryerson's Stewart D'Eall lighting the lamp early in the first period. The 'Hawks were able to rebound and tie the game up after a Kevin Roeder goal at the 7:10 mark. They took the lead shortly after with a score by Pat Cannone.
"Going forward, I think we have a reference point of what we need to do," said head coach Enrico Blasi. "In general, I thought we did some good things. We did some things out of rust and we missed a couple of the nets and we missed a couple of checks, but we have a good reference point going forward."
The Ryerson Rams tied the game in the hard-fought second period. Both teams decided to switch goaltenders midway through the period.
The Red and White flexed its muscles early in the third as Chris Wideman sliced a laser into the back of the net to take a 3-2 lead. The Rams then tied it up at 3-3.
The third period was very tight and Ryerson would not go away easily. It took a Rams' penalty to give the 'Hawks a power play with about a minute left in regulation to decide the game. Blasi called a time out and the 'Hawks came out on the attack. After numerous attempts on goal, Canadian national Lacombe sent them home packing with a score in the final seconds.
"You could tell that it was our first game," said Lacombe. "We weren't executing. We're going to be better that's for sure. We are going to go to work on Monday, we're going to get better."
The 'Hawks have been in search of consistent play in the net and used a rotation consisting of freshman Cory Reichard and Connor Knapp. After Reichard started the game, the 'Hawks referred to Knapp, who was able to hold off a heavy Ryerson attack and seal the win for the 'Hawks.
Ryerson University head coach Graham Wise was appreciative of his team's inspiring performance and of the chance that they were given to play the Red and White.
"I was very impressed with (my team)," Wise said. "I thought they came to play, I thought they competed hard. We know coming down here how good the teams are, especially Miami-what a great program they have down here. I give my guys credit for coming out and giving 59 minutes and 55 seconds."
The RedHawks will start off the regular season Friday, Oct. 10 in Columbus against Ohio State University. The following night, the 'Hawks will host that same Buckeye team at Steve Cady Arena at 7:05 p.m.
