Miami Student

Sorry... I just can't celebrate after that without feeling seasick.

If you had just lost normally, I'd be out there with you. But no, you had to do it JUST LIKE LAST YEAR. Why do you torture me so???

I attended the game in DC, and while devastated by the loss, I'm never been prouder to be a Miami alumnus. I was stuck in a neutral corner of the arena, and I could tell that the Miami fans were louder and more supportive. The Miami pre-game festivities were well planned and well-attended. My heart goes out to the team themselves, the hundred-plus Miami hockey alums who flew in from all over the US and Canada, plus Steve Cady himself - who was forced to endure the indignity of presenting the national championship to BU after the game. I can only hope that this unprecedented run will generate more interest in Miami athletics from the casual fans, which still comprise a significant portion of students and the majority of alumni. Now that the hockey team has broken into the top tier of programs, we need to start behaving like one; which means, every year, sending a larger fan base to away games in OH and MI; and for alums, joining the Red and White Club and supporting the Love and Honor campaign. While there are no guarantees we'll make it back to the national championship game anytime soon, our team is young but experienced, and I like our chances. Love and Honor!

So does Kevin Roeder get an assist for the last BU goal? Hey, I'm just asking. Anyone who's played soccer or hockey knows you get dinged for an own-goal now and then. They're always embarrassing, but especially so when it costs you a national championship. I feel for the kid, I really do. Been there, done that myself (soccer).

The twists and turns of fate in sporting contests are especially cruel to the losing team or player. Things happen. Baseballs bounce off the heads of outfielders for home runs, roll between the legs of infielders and cost a World Series game, pitchers throw no-hit ball for nine innings and then walk in the winning run. Golfers will stick an approach shot that bounces off the flag and into the water. Footballs sail wide of the goal by inches and you lose the Super Bowl. Bad bounces happen, and are part of any game. But in a single elimination tournament, there is no tomorrow. You lose, you're done.

And that's what is sad about this. For all the talk about what this team accomplished, how far they came, the things they did, none of that will be remembered by most people, especially the players. What will be remembered is losing, especially on a garbage own-goal in OT that never should have happened. The game was lost when the team couldn't defend a two-goal lead with a minute left skating against a team with an empty net. All they had to do was clear the puck, and they couldn't do it.

No one really thinks of the Patriots taking an 18-0 record into the Super Bowl and what it took to achieve that. All they remember is that the team lost to a Giants club that stumbled into the playoffs as a wild card with a 10-6 regular season record. Nobody remembers the accomplishment of the Yankees in the 1960 World Series of outscoring their opponents 55-27, outhitting them 91-60, outbatting them .338 to .256, or hitting 10 home runs to four against them. All we remember is the Yankees losing to the Pirates on Mazeroski's homer in the bottom of the ninth. And that is the real reason I feel bad for players on the losing side. When you're one of the losers the good things don't come to mind, but failing does. I wish it were different, but that's the way it is in sports.

So what do you do? Just as in life, you allow yourself the luxury of grief. Wallow in it for a time and hang your head, because it's human nature to do so and you need to work through that and let the feelings out. And then allow time to heal the pain. You never really get over it, but you move on. But it is a shame, because chances at a national title come along very, very rarely. I doubt if we'll see the chance again soon. Just my feeling. I hope I'm wrong.

That was an awesome game. As a BU alum, I feel for you Miami fans, but wow. What a game!!!

The only way that BU even go that national championship was off of ridiculous own goals. Can they get any more lucky? The second BU goal that went right under Reichard's armpit was ridiculous, how often will that go in?

When BU played New Hampshire, how did they win? Oh yeah...UNH's own goal in OT, how did BU win over Vermont? Vermont's own goal...and the same thing happens to Miami in overtime. Lucky massholes...

Our Miami boys should be so proud, because truthfully, BU did not deserve that national championship. Miami played better than BU did that entire game, but be proud!, because we are the second best team in the nation.

It was our first year to make it to the national championship game? How often does that team end up winning the national championship? This was supposed to be a rebuilding year, so that can only say what our team will be doing these next few years. It sucks that it did not end up going our way, but you live and learn, next year will be amazing!

GO REDHAWKS!

"The only way that BU even go that national championship was off of ridiculous own goals. Can they get any more lucky?"

You are right. No one else can get that lucky. Being bigger, faster, stronger and putting intense pressure on the opposition generates luck. Miami, like New Hampshire learned hockey is not a 59 minute game.

Second place sucks. You've got very few chances to win championships, and you need to take advantage of them when you get them. I just have a feeling it's going to be a long, long road back. Letdowns are usually more the norm after a run that falls short. We'll have to wait and see.

"What a game!!!" Well, yeah, if you win. If you lose, it stinks. Let's be honest with ourselves here. There's no sense sugarcoating the disappointment of losing the championship. You just take your medicine and somehow swallow the lump in your throat. Nothing can make it better.

Clear the puck! Clear the puck! Clear the zone!!! Clear the stinking puck...