Miami University hockey has gained notable status across the country in the past decade, not only at the varsity level but also the club level. Miami men's club ice hockey is No. 1 in the southeast region and is in the top five ranked club teams in the nation, due to the hard work and dedication of its 24 members.
"I think we have one of the deepest and most talented teams in the nation and with hard work have a great shot at winning a national championship," senior Anthony Gregory said.
Though the team recently suffered its first loss of the season, these men have chosen to put it in the past and keep trucking. For the members, the guidance and support of Miami alumnus and Head Coach Dan Daikawa has become vital in their success making this group of young men a force to reckon with on and off the ice.
When meeting these players it quickly became obvious that they are serious about the game but enjoy the company of each other the most. Joining the club hockey team allowed many of the players a chance to continue playing the sport that they love at a very high level. Thanks to the success of the varsity program, Miami club hockey is one of, if not the most competitive teams to join, with very strong standards as many of their players have played since a very young age. This organization has even provided a second go around from those athletes who could have gone D1 but were immobilized due to injuries and also taken in a number of players who played junior league allowing the competition to stay stiff.
For President Phil Bauer and Treasurer Eddie Davis, the team has become more than just an extracurricular activity, the club hockey team is a family instilling values just like any other.
"We see practices as a way to get things done, turning out new plays and working with various combinations of lines to keep the play fresh," Davis said. "We challenge ourselves and those around us on the ice, even having weekly shoot outs to keep up constructive competition within the team."
In all seriousness for Bauer, having a leadership position has allowed him to reach a new love for the sport and a burning desire to succeed in his last season.
"If you don't work hard, you wont get anywhere, and especially with Coach Daikawa, you won't get any playing time," Bauer said. "We have even expanded the structure of the team by adding conditioning on and off the ice- you may have even seen us running down High Street on a beautiful Monday evening."
The team needs all the edge it can get as it embarks on a challenging season with competitors from Davenport, Michigan State, Grand Valley and Colorado State. With 11 rookies it has become very important to find the balance between working hard on the ice, building new relationships and finding the time to enjoy college the fullest.
"Our goal is to leave the team in better shape than the year before and continue the legacy that has been building up for years," Bauer said.
Their journey for a title continues this weekend when the team suits up to play Ferris State at 9 p.m. Friday and at 3 p.m. Saturday at Goggin Ice Arena.
"Year in and year out we not only compete with, but beat teams that have three or four times our budget, and recruit all their players," Gregory said. "I think this is a good testament to our coaching staff, hard work, and team camaraderie."
With strong leadership from Daikawa and executive members, a good sense of humor and desire from the rest of the team, the Miami men's club ice hockey is one that will be making headlines. Miami students take the time to get to know the other hockey team and be sure to get your club on!
