Miami University
Ryerson (Exhibition)
No. 8 Miami Wins Thriller Against Ryerson
10/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
Oct. 4, 2008
OXFORD, Ohio - The roar in Steve Cady Arena as Alexandre Lacombe scored the game-winning goal against Ryerson made the game feel almost like regular season but that is still a week away.
Miami defeated Ryerson Saturday night, 4-3, in a thrilling back-and-forth game that ended with a goal by Lacombe with five seconds remaining on the clock.
"We had some guys that made plays and some guys that played hard and some guys that just aren't in sync yet," Miami head coach Enrico Blasi said. "We have a lot of work to do and now we know what we need to do and, come Monday, we will get it started."
Miami fell behind early when Stewart D'Eall scored back door on Cody Reichard at the 16:41 mark of the first period. Miami tied the game at 7:10 of the first when Kevin Roeder pounded in a Justin Mercier rebound. The RedHawks took their first lead at the 14:32 mark of the first period as Pat Cannone slammed home a goal off a dish from Gary Steffes.
Richard started the game in net for the Red and White but the RedHawks rotated in fellow freshman Connor Knapp half way through the second period.
"I thought Conner (Knapp) played well in net and Cody (Reichard) made some big saves," Blasi said. "We are going to do a lot of battling this week to make sure we are ready to go."
The second period was hard fought and the Rams tied the game with a goal by Cory Konecny off of an assist from Michael Paolo. Halfway through the second period Louie George replaced Pierre Beaulieu in goal for Ryerson. The Rams and the RedHawks switched goalies at the same time.
Miami came out strong to start the third as Chris Wideman gave the Red and White the lead with an unassisted goal 1:13 into the period. Ryerson would not go away and, at the 15:25 mark of the third, Rob Toomey pulled the Rams even, 3-3, off a pass from Brent Small.
The third period was very physical with both teams collecting a number of penalties. With 1:04 remaining in the third period Michael Paolo was called for hooking to give the RedHawks a power play and coach Blasi called for a timeout. After launching a pressing attack it was the senior from Canada that sent the Rams back to Toronto with a loss.
Miami opens the regular season next Friday (Oct. 10) against Ohio State in Columbus at 7:05 p.m. The RedHawks will then return home to take on the Buckeyes Saturday, Oct. 11. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. and will be televised live on the Ohio News Network (ONN).
