Miami University
Alaska
Miami Icers Win Sixth Straight, Beat Alaska 3-1
12/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
Dec. 7, 2007
OXFORD - Senior captain Ryan Jones fueled the RedHawks offense by scoring three times as Miami overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat Alaska 3-1, extending its winning streak to six games. Junior goaltender Jeff Zatkoff was stellar in net for the RedHawks, stopping 24-of-25 shots in Friday night's victory. Junior alternate captain Brian Kaufman added two assists, giving him 15 for the year and 10 points in his last three games.
The scoring started relatively quickly, as Alaska scored during a 5-on-3 power play 8:28 into the first period. The goal was scored by defenseman Tyler Eckford; his third of the season.
Just 25 seconds into the second period, Ryan Jones was able to tie the game up when he put home a rebound off of the pad of Alaska goaltender Chad Johnson. Though he gave up three goals, Nanooks' coach Doc DelCastillo had this to say about his junior netminder: "Chad Johnson gave us an opportunity to win, but we just didn't capitalize on that opportunity. We gave all we had, but we just don't have the personnel to stay with them for 60 minutes."
After no scoring for nearly two full periods, Jones lit the lamp for the second time in the game, scoring with 4:56 remaining in the game, breaking the deadlock. The goal was Jones' 13th tally of the season, passing junior Justin Mercier for the most goals on the team.
With only 27 seconds remaining in the game, Jones accepted a feed from Brian Kaufman and potted his third goal of the game, completing his second hat trick of the season. Jones was awarded for his efforts by being named the game's first-star.
The RedHawks and Nanooks do battle again Saturday night at Steve Cady Arena, with a puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
NOTES: Senior captain Ryan Jones netted career goals number 71, 72 and 73, moving him past Ken House and Bill Bok, giving him sole-possession of fourth-place on Miami's all-time goal scoring list.
Junior alternate captain Brian Kaufman extended his point streak to six games with his two-assist effort. Kaufman has scored 10 points in his last three outings.
Miami has put at least 30 shots on net in 13-of-15 games this season, averaging 33.3 shots per game.
As a team, the RedHawks have given up only two goals in the previous three games, lowering its nation-leading goals-against average to 1.33 goals per game.
Miami extended its streak of games of allowing two or less goals to 15, an all-time MU record for a streak of its type.
The RedHawks have scored at least one power play goal in each of its last six games.
Miami continues to lead the nation in scoring margin with a +3.27 rating, scoring 4.6 goals per game while giving up only 1.33 on average.
Alaska held Miami to only three shots in the first period, the lowest number of shots the team has put on an opponent in one period since Notre Dame gave up three shots in the third period on November 10.
QUOTES: Miami coach Rico Blasi on overcoming the first period deficit: "I thought we came out with good energy in the first period, but they blocked a lot of shots. The captains and seniors did a good job between the first and second period of keeping the team energized."
Miami's Ryan Jones on playing for the first time in two weeks: "A weekend off normally tends to slow things down. As the game went on, we got back to what we do best."
GAME'S THREE STARS: No.3 - Chad Johnson No.2 - Jeff Zatkoff No.1 - Ryan Jones
ATTENDANCE: 3201
