Miami University
Alaska
Miami Falls To Alaska 2-1
10/31/2008 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
Oct. 31, 2008
OXFORD, Ohio - Jarod Palmer scored 26 seconds into the third period but it was not enough to rally the RedHawk as they fell 2-1 against Alaska on Friday night.
Miami was a physical force in the first period as the RedHawk defensemen sent several Nanooks to the ice with solid, clean hits. However, Alaska fought through it and Dion Knelsen picked off a Miami pass behind the net and turned it into a 1-0 lead for the Nanooks, beating Cody Reichard on the right side. The RedHawks were able to kill off two first-period power plays but did not get an opportunity of their own with the man advantage.
Alaska and the RedHawks continued to battle in the second period but Dion Knelsen struck again as he received a pass from his brother Brandon Knelsen and beat Reichard left side. Reichard kept Miami in the game with some solid saves, including four in a row at one point and two at point-blank range by Brandon Knelsen.
Miami came out hot in the third period as Palmer scored 26 seconds into the frame to pull the RedHawks within one. Chris Wideman and Carter Camper picked up the assists. The RedHawks had some solid chances, including a one-on-none break-away by Raymond Eichenlaub, but Chad Johnson made the save and clinched the win for the Nanooks.
Miami and Alaska will face off again tomorrow night inside Steve Cady Arena at the Goggin Ice Center at 7:05 p.m. The game will be televised on the Ohio News Network (ONN).
Game Notes
The start was Reichard's first at home and tied a career high for saves in a period with 12 stops in the first frame.
The first intermission was taken with 1:46 remaining in the first period due to broken glass. The teams played the remaining time after the intermission and then took a two-minute break and started the second period.
Miami killed off all five Alaska power play chances. For the season, the RedHawks have killed 42 of 44 power play chances, and have not allowed a five-on-four goal since the first power play of the season.
Camper's assist is his sixth of the season and his ninth point of 2008-09. All of Camper's points this season have come on the power play. The Rocky River, Ohio native leads the nation in power-play points with nine.
