REDHAWK CHAT: Rico Blasi

The men's hockey season begins on Friday when No. 1/4 Miami hosts No. 13/15 St. Cloud State. Head coach Enrico Blasi stopped by RedHawk Chatter on Wednesday to answer your questions about the upcoming year as Miami looks to return to the Frozen Four.

Blasi is entering his his 11th season behind the RedHawk bench. He is a three-time CCHA Coach of the Year selection and was named National Coach of the Year in 2005-06. He stands 210-151-33 in 10 seasons.

MURedHawks.com: Good Morning RedHawk fans and welcome to today's chat with Hockey Head Coach Rico Blasi.

MURedHawks.com: We will get started here in just another minute or so.

Mike (Chicago): Rico, I hate to bring it up, but it is a must since everyone has been wondering. Is this team over what happened in the national championship game? Many of us fans are not over it, but obviously the team is the only group that matters here!

Coach Rico Blasi: Yes, I think we are. Our focus is on this year. It is a new group with new leadership and new team dynamics. Obviously, the experience of going to the national tournament will help us in key situations this year.

Leslie, Oxford: You talked about moving on after last year. But how do you get the guys to remain proud of the amazing season?

Coach Rico Blasi: That's exactly right. We were one of two teams left at the end of the year. It was a great accomplishment for our team, our alums, our university and all of our fans. We are extremely proud of our accomplishments, but yet we are not satisfied.

Chuck W (Olmsted Twp, Ohio): Coach - Thanks for all you do for Miami. Did you get to enjoy the Final 4 experience while you were living it or was it just too crazy?

Coach Rico Blasi: I think we tried to enjoy it as much as possible. When it was time to focus on the game and practice, everyone did a pretty good job. It was a great experience and leaves you with wanting more.

Jeff (New York City): Congratulations on all of Miami's preseason recognition! Obviously your team has a bullseye on its back after last year's great finish, and the respect it has been given in the recent polls. How are you and the players going to focus on just getting your daily gameplan executed despite the lofty expectations placed on the team this year? Best of luck, and I look forward to coming to a game soon!

Coach Rico Blasi: Part of our culture is to focus on daily improvement and day-to-day preparation on and off the ice. Our focus is to work hard and control the things that are within our control. We know its a process and we continue to work that process from day-to-day.

Amelia (Columbus): Coach, What do you feel is the RedHawks greatest strength and their greatest asset going into this high-expectation season? Thanks!

Coach Rico Blasi: We feel we have a veteran group that understands what it takes to play at the highest level and the preparation and work habits needed to do that. I think we are deep up front and we experience on defense and in goal. That was not the case a year ago. Our team speed and size is a unique combination, one that I think will be exciting to watch.

Andrew (Columbus): Coach, it looks like you've got a big group of around 7 freshmen. How pronounced of a role do you see these guys playing this year in the offensive and defensive cores? Good luck this season, go 'Hawks!

Coach Rico Blasi: We feel they are a very talented group... a group that was recruited to contribute. We feel that you will see most of them in the lineup.

Amelia (Columbus): Could you talk about the experience the goaltenders gained last year as freshmen and if you intend to do the Friday-Saturday rotation again this year?

Coach Rico Blasi: We felt that both goaltenders developed in the system that we used and we are very confident in both Connor and Cody. Don't be surprised to see both of them playing.

Doug, Deerfield: Coach, given the heartbreak of last year, what are your teams expectations outside of winning the CCHA titles?

Coach Rico Blasi: Our goal every year is to continue to improve daily. We feel that if the focus is on daily improvement that outcomes will take care of themselves. We always keep the process in mind. Living in the moment is part of our culture.

dave (cincinnati): I noticed during the game aganst windsor that we don't have any assistant captains. Is this going to be the case all year and what made you come to that decision.

Coach Rico Blasi: We decided that Tommy would be our captain and we feel that everyone in the locker room has a role. We could choose from so many that we decided not to announce any assistant captains.

chad (dayton): I've been watching Miami hockey for 15 years and I must say in my opinion the most talented team you ever had was in 2007-08. That team like this team was also favored to win the national championship by most people. If you could compare the two teams, what would you say are the similarities? And also which one would you say is the most talented?

Coach Rico Blasi: I think both teams have similar character traits and talents. Obviously, they have differences. This team may be quicker and bigger. At the end of the day, it is all about continuing to focus on who we are today.

Sarah (Petoskey): What team in the CCHA do you see being our hardest match-up this season?

Coach Rico Blasi: I think every team we play will be a tough game. We will see everyone's best, which forces us to be at our best. Obviously, playing Ohio State, our rival, always brings out great energy and enthusiasm.

Mike (Oxford): You have a tough schedule this year. What will be some of the challenges?

Coach Rico Blasi: It is a tough CCHA schedule as it always is. We also have a very tough non-conference schedule, playing St. Cloud, New Hampshire, Bemidji State, North Dakota and Robert Morris.

MURedHawks.com: We are running out of time, so this is your last chance to submit questions for coach.

Tim (Oxford): What can you tell us about your opponent this weekend St. Cloud State? What are the keys to victory?

Coach Rico Blasi: St. Cloud is a very well coached team with lots of speed and skill. It should be an exciting weekend and we will have to be at our best.

MURedHawks.com: We have time for just one more question and here is a fun one.

New York City: Will you Marry me?

MURedHawks.com: Let's wait for Coach to stop laughing.

Coach Rico Blasi: That's a good one. I appreciate the offer.

MURedHawks.com: We appreciate all the good question for coach today and hope to see you out at Steve Cady Arena this weekend. Look for a chat with a couple of the players in early November. Our next RedHawk Chatter will discuss the volleyball program.

MURedHawks.com: Thanks again for tuning in.

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