Miami University
Lake Superior
Grant's Overtime Winner Advances RedHawks To Joe Louis Arena
3/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
March 13, 2004
OXFORD, Ohio - Despite Miami University being on Spring Break, one would not have known it on Saturday night at Goggin Ice Arena when junior Todd Grant (Indianapolis, Ind.) scored the game-winning goal in overtime to advance the No. 9 Miami (22-12-4) hockey team to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Super Six for the first time since 1996-97. The RedHawks needed overtime to put away the 11th-seeded Laker Superior State (9-20-7) hockey team, 2-1.
Same as the first night, freshman Matt Christie (Ajax, Ontario) put the RedHawks on the board first when he scored his team-leading 21st goal of the season at 5:47. A loose rebound in the slot fell in Christie's direction who one-timed it into the upper corner of the goal. Senior Derek Edwardson (Morton Grove, Ill.) had the first shot on goal that was turned aside by LSSU netminder Jeff Jakaitis.
A defensive lapse in its zone resulted in a goal against it for the Red and White when the Lakers' Colin Nicholson tallied a goal at 9:03 in the second period. Steve McJannet caught a break when a misplayed Miami pass ended up on his stick to the left of the goal, but was stopped when freshman netminder Brandon Crawford-West made a sprawling pad save. However, the rebound was not cleared by the RedHawks and Nicholson was there to put it home and even the game, 1-1.
After a scoreless third period, Miami entered its seventh overtime contest of the season, and in a situation where it would play until a winner was determined. Jakaitis time and time again made heartstopping saves in the extra period to keep the Lakers in the game. However, at 12:05 Grant rifled a shot into the upper corner of the goal that instantly won the game for the RedHawks, and immediately resulted in the emptying of the Miami bench.
Jakaitis, who made 11 saves in overtime, made an initial save on a shot by freshman Geoff Smith (Toronto, Ontario) and directed the puck behind the goal. Smith beat both LSSU defensemen to the puck and zipped it puck in front of the net to Grant in the slot. Grant ended the sudden death period with his 13th goal of the season.
With the win, Miami not only improves to 3-0-4 in overtime games this season, but it also advances to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich. for the CCHA Super Six next weekend. The RedHawks having finished second in the league during the regular season have a bye into the semifinal round on Friday, March 19.
