Miami Student

Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Michael Pickering Miami swept Lake Superior State during their visit to Steve Cady Feb 9-10. They hope for the same success this weekend in the CCHA Tournament.

Heading into the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) playoffs with full force, the Miami University hockey team (23-11-4, 16-8-4 CCHA) gears up to face off against the Lake Superior State Lakers in a best-of-three second round series.

The Lakers knocked off the Ferris State Bulldogs in their first round series, winning the series 2-1. The team must now make the journey south to Oxford to take on the RedHawks.

Miami won three of the four regular season meetings against the Lakers this season, sweeping Lake Superior State in the Feb. 9-10 series at Cady Arena. The 'Hawks only loss to the Lakers was at Lake Superior Nov. 10.

After winning the CCHA regular season title a year ago, Miami finished third this season, behind Notre Dame and Michigan, with Michigan State in fourth. Each team earned a first-round bye in the CCHA playoffs and prepares for their own series at home this weekend.

The effort the 'Hawks have put forth this season has shown them that winning is no guarantee.

During their two-week break, Miami has focused on what they need to do these next few weeks in order to come out on top.

"We have to put everything behind us," said forward Ryan Jones. "We need to find our groove and focus on the positive things we have done thus far."

The Red and White has come a long way this year adding five new freshmen into the mix, including Jarod Palmer who is fourth on team in goals this season, notching 11.

The RedHawks have looked to their younger players to help get the job done.

"Last year we had a lot of older players who knew what it took to close out weekends," said forward Nate Davis. "We have a lot of growing up to do, but we're definitely on the right track."

However the track has been a little rocky this season for the RedHawks, who were in their fair share of close games.

"We tied against Notre Dame which could have gone either way, and we did the same thing against Nebraska," Head Coach Enrico Blasi said.

Regardless, the 'Hawks are not concerned with splitting on the road or breaking five-game winning streaks. Numbers don't win championships, players do, and Miami's skillful players have their eye on the prize - a CCHA Tournament Championship.

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