2008 Woodie Awards
No. 1 'Hawks welcome Alaska to Goggin
Trish Engelman
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Sports
Returning to action after a weekend off, the No. 1 nationally ranked Miami University ice hockey team (13-1-0, 9-1-0 CCHA) gears up to face off against CCHA rival the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks (1-8-1, 1-6-1 CCHA) this weekend at Steve Cady Ice Arena.
The Red and White was last in action Nov. 23-24 when it made quick work of Canisius College. The 'Hawks set a record for the most goals scored at Steve Cady Arena, dropping 11 goals on the Golden Griffins during the second game of the series.
The 'Hawks used their first weekend off of the season to heal a few bumps and bruises, but more importantly, focus on the conference battle that lies ahead of them.
"The weekend off was nice," senior Ryan Jones said. "It gave us some time to heal the injuries that we have and rest up for the mid/end of the season push. We know that we're going to be in two hard fought games this weekend and we are just getting ready for that."
Senior Nathan Davis, who was injured for most of the first part of the season, said the break also allowed the team to recharge mentally.
"We finally had the chance to rest mentally, which is important for a sport like hockey where the season lasts so long," Davis said. "From the other side, the time off lets us catch up on homework and allow us time for a social life too."
Through their first 14 games, the 'Hawks have suffered just one loss to the University of Notre Dame and currently hold the No.1 ranking in both the USCHO.com/CSTV and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's Hockey Polls for the sixth straight week. Miami is almost a unanimous choice for No. 1 in the nation after the University of Michigan Wolverines fell to the Ohio State University Buckeyes this past weekend.
Despite the ranking, the Red and White is trying to stay grounded beneath the hype and focus on its upcoming rivals.
"We know there are a few teams nipping at our heals, Michigan especially," Davis said. "It's an unbelievable testament to this team that we have been able to not let the ranking affect us and to maintain our high level of play."
The Red and White was last in action Nov. 23-24 when it made quick work of Canisius College. The 'Hawks set a record for the most goals scored at Steve Cady Arena, dropping 11 goals on the Golden Griffins during the second game of the series.
The 'Hawks used their first weekend off of the season to heal a few bumps and bruises, but more importantly, focus on the conference battle that lies ahead of them.
"The weekend off was nice," senior Ryan Jones said. "It gave us some time to heal the injuries that we have and rest up for the mid/end of the season push. We know that we're going to be in two hard fought games this weekend and we are just getting ready for that."
Senior Nathan Davis, who was injured for most of the first part of the season, said the break also allowed the team to recharge mentally.
"We finally had the chance to rest mentally, which is important for a sport like hockey where the season lasts so long," Davis said. "From the other side, the time off lets us catch up on homework and allow us time for a social life too."
Through their first 14 games, the 'Hawks have suffered just one loss to the University of Notre Dame and currently hold the No.1 ranking in both the USCHO.com/CSTV and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's Hockey Polls for the sixth straight week. Miami is almost a unanimous choice for No. 1 in the nation after the University of Michigan Wolverines fell to the Ohio State University Buckeyes this past weekend.
Despite the ranking, the Red and White is trying to stay grounded beneath the hype and focus on its upcoming rivals.
"We know there are a few teams nipping at our heals, Michigan especially," Davis said. "It's an unbelievable testament to this team that we have been able to not let the ranking affect us and to maintain our high level of play."
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