A wild week of hockey that saw the puck fatefully bounce both for and against Miami University left the RedHawks standing as one of four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

Miami fought its way into the CCHA Championship game where it was defeated 2-1 by the University of Michigan Saturday March 22. The 'Hawks outshot the Wolverines 21-12 in the first two periods, but were held scoreless until there were only 39 seconds left in the game. Alec Martinez's blast from the blue line on Saturday gave Miami its second goal with under a minute to play in two consecutive games.

Miami's late goal the previous night sent the RedHawks into an overtime period against the University of Notre Dame, which Miami went on to win; this time, however, the team's late game magic was not enough as it fell to Michigan for the third time this season.

The Red and White had a chance to score early when senior captain Ryan Jones wrapped the puck around the back of the net in the first period. A diving Billy Sauer stopped his initial attempt as the puck hit off the post and scooted under the Michigan goalie. The puck appeared to be smothered and the referees blew the play dead. However, video review revealed that the puck was still loose and sitting right on the line. The goal was waved off since the play had already been whistled to a stop.

This missed opportunity epitomized Miami's entire night. Later in the game, the 'Hawks went on back-to-back power plays but failed to record a single shot on goal during the four-minute stretch with a man advantage. Miami outplayed Michigan during the first two periods of the game, but Sauer's magnificent play in net for the Maize and Blue held the 'Hawks at bay.

Failing to capitalize on their opportunities eventually left the RedHawks in too deep of a hole to climb out.

"It was everything that you would expect from a championship game," said senior forward Nathan Davis. "We are two different teams; they are more of a team that likes to get up and go and we focus more on puck

possession. At times we both did a good job of playing our own game, but in the end they just buried their chances."

Miami started the CCHA tournament with a sweep of Bowling Green State University at home in Steve Cady Arena March 14-15.

The RedHawks overcame an early deficit and two game misconducts for checking from

behind that led to both Jones and freshman forward Justin Vaive being ejected from game one of the series.

BGSU opened the game's scoring with a second period goal. Just 16 seconds later, Miami answered with the equalizer from freshman Pat Cannone.

Jones' ejection came shortly afterward, leaving the 'Hawks captain-less in a tied CCHA playoff game. Unfazed, the Red and White went on to score three unanswered goals to cruise to a 4-1 victory.

"We had to go through a lot of adversity and some undisciplined penalties," said head coach Enrico Blasi, "but I thought out guys did a pretty good job of weathering the storm."

Miami punched their ticket to Detroit March 15 with a 4-2 series-clinching win. It was not easy, however, as the Falcons did not leave Oxford without a fight. Bowling Green played furiously all night, posting a blistering 43 shots on goal.

"They were playing desperate hockey and that's what you have to do when it's one and done," Jones said of Bowling Green's effort. "They are a good team, we just capitalized on a few more chances."

After being swept on their home ice by underdog Lake Superior State University in last year's CCHA quarterfinals, the RedHawks headed back to Joe Louis Arena for the second time in three years.

Miami's visit looked to be short-lived as the 'Hawks found themselves down 1-0 late in their semifinal match against Notre Dame.

No longer in the comfort of its home or with the cushion of a three game series, Miami frantically fought for its tournament life.

With just 3.4 seconds remaining, Jones screened CCHA Goaltender of the Year, Jordan Pearce, allowing Mitch Ganzak to wrist the game-tying goal into the back of the Irish net. Six minutes into the ensuing overtime period, defenseman Alec Martinez powered a slap shot from just inside the blue line past Pearce for the game winner.

Three Miami players were named to the CCHA all tournament team. Martinez was one of two defensemen selected after scoring two late game goals at the Joe.

Jeff Zatkoff, who started all four tournament games for Miami and stopped 112 of the 118 shots he faced, was the selection at goalie.

Although he only registered just one assist in the two games at Detroit, Jones was selected as one of three forwards for his gritty play and leadership during the weekend.

Miami now gears up for its fourth NCAA tournament appearance in a row. Coming off a strong showing in the CCHA tournament, the RedHawks were given the No. 1 seed in the Northeastern region, and will face No. 4 seeded Air Force Academy 4 p.m. Saturday.

The game will take place in Worcester, Mass., which will also be the site of Miami's second game should the team defeat the Falcons.

Also in the Northeast region are Boston College and the University of Minnesota.

Boston College, who has eliminated Miami from the past two national tournaments and is the region's No. 2 seed, sits a mere 40 miles from Worcester.