Spring Break
MU hockey identity at stake in 2008-09
Dan Kukla
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Sports
Can Miami reload year-in and year-out to become an annual title contender? At this juncture, there is no reason to believe anything but yes.
All the building blocks are in place. The Goggin Ice Center is considered one of the nation's finest facilities and is sure to catch the eye of any recruit. Head coach Enrico Blasi signed at 10-year contract extension last season; his status as a premier hockey coach and recruiter is cemented by three CCHA coach of the year awards and the countless number of NHL draftees he both brought to this school and mentored.
More importantly than ice arenas or head coaches, however, the RedHawks are now recognized on a national level as winners. Miami spent millions in building the Goggin and signing Blasi, but no amount of money could buy the many banners hanging in the rafters of Steve Cady Arena signifying the school's new triumphant tradition.
When Boston College ended Miami's title run with a two-minute, three-goal outburst and a diving overtime score, it also ended the four-year tenure of a terrific senior class.
Those seven seniors along with all of their accomplishments may now be reduced to a section of history, but their impact on Miami's hockey program doesn't have to be.
Four years ago Jones and Co. started something great here in Oxford. This year, RedHawk fans and a national audience alike will find out how and if it will finish.
All the building blocks are in place. The Goggin Ice Center is considered one of the nation's finest facilities and is sure to catch the eye of any recruit. Head coach Enrico Blasi signed at 10-year contract extension last season; his status as a premier hockey coach and recruiter is cemented by three CCHA coach of the year awards and the countless number of NHL draftees he both brought to this school and mentored.
More importantly than ice arenas or head coaches, however, the RedHawks are now recognized on a national level as winners. Miami spent millions in building the Goggin and signing Blasi, but no amount of money could buy the many banners hanging in the rafters of Steve Cady Arena signifying the school's new triumphant tradition.
When Boston College ended Miami's title run with a two-minute, three-goal outburst and a diving overtime score, it also ended the four-year tenure of a terrific senior class.
Those seven seniors along with all of their accomplishments may now be reduced to a section of history, but their impact on Miami's hockey program doesn't have to be.
Four years ago Jones and Co. started something great here in Oxford. This year, RedHawk fans and a national audience alike will find out how and if it will finish.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Sarah
posted 10/07/08 @ 8:01 AM EST
Great story, well written, I love the 'brotherhood being a foundation not a peak' comment, but isn't it a "quarterfinal berth"? Gives a totally different flavor to the story; I'm wondering who gave birth during the two quarterfinals, and what the babies were named. (Continued…)
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