REDHAWK CHAT: Jarod Palmer and Vincent LoVerde

Jarod Palmer and Vincent LoVerde of the No. 1 ranked Miami hockey team stopped by RedHawk Chatter on Wednesday to answer fans questions.

Palmer is a senior forward who has never missed a game in his career at Miami. He is tied for the team lead with nine points on three goals and six assists so far this year.

LoVerde is a junior defenseman who has been a steady presence on the RedHawk backline the past three seasons. He leads the team with 16 blocked shots.

MURedHawks.com: Welcome to Today's Chat with hockey players Jarod Palmer and Vincent Loverde.

MURedHawks.com: Apologies for running late, so lets jump right in

Ryan (Oxford): Vincent, how do you feel the defense has played so far this year? How do you think the defense matches up against Michigan this week?

Vincent LoVerde: I feel like we have played pretty well so far. Obviously we can improve in different areas. I think we can play better around the net and better in the neutral zone.

Vincent LoVerde: As far as Michigan goes, they are a really skilled team. We are going to have to work hard to control their forwards.

Amelia (Dublin): Jarod, you've changed lines recently--is there a big difference out on the ice with a new group?

Jarod Palmer: I think Justin and Curtis are pretty similar players. The change hasn't impacted Meile and me. They are both strong and use their physical play to cause turnovers. The both have strong shots and good stick techniques. Plus they both crash the net hard.

Ryan (Oxford): Do you feel any kind of vindication by being ranked #1 for the first three weeks this year after last years ending?

Vincent LoVerde: We really try not to look at the rankings. We try to live in the moment, but just look at things day-by-day. We are honored that people have us there, but we still work hard.

Jarod Palmer: It really is an honor, but we don't focus on it. We know from our experience last year that how you play on the ice matters most. We were in the top 10 last year and made our run to the title game. Being their at the end will be most satisfying.

Aaron (Cleveland): How has what happened in last year's National Championship game motivated you early this season, and can you keep up this pace?

Jarod Palmer: Losing that game forced me, personally to set my goals higher. I think before that experience, I would have been satisfied wiith being ranked No. 1 or winning a CCHA title. We still have those goals as well, but really want to finish the job we started last year.

Jack (Fairfield): This question is for both players. What made you choose Miami?

Vincent LoVerde: From ahockey sense, I loved the coaching staff and the comraderie among teammate. The new rink and the success of the program also contributed to my decision to become a RedHawk. As a finance major, I was impressed by the business school.

Jarod Palmer: The new rink sold me on the decision. I thought it was cool that I would be a part of the freshman class for a brand new era. I really liked that Oxford is a small town. I think I have simple roots and love to be around nature. When I drove into Oxford and saw horse stables, I knew this was the kind of setting I wanted to be in.

Mike (Oxford): I've wondered what it is like to go to college after taking a couple years off to play in juniors? Is it easy to get back into the swing of taking classes while balancing it with hockey practice and games?

Jarod Palmer: Getting back into having a tight schedule was difficult. The level of organization needed to be successful in the classroom and on the ice took some adjustment time. But as far as picking up the books and learning in a classroom setting again, that wasn't hard at all.

Julie (Oxford): Vincent, I read you led the team in blocked shots. Does it hurt to take so many pucks to the body and what makes you so willing to do it?

Vincent LoVerde: I really don't even think if it's gonna hurt or not. I try to get in front of the puck to help save a goal. I want to do what I can to help the team. It is part of playing the game and I just happen to block more than other guys on the team.

Amy (Columbus): Vincent--as a defenseman, what kind of communication do you have with the goalie during a game? Hand signals? Interprative dance? But seriously, how and how much do you communicate out there?

Vincent LoVerde: We communicate a lot!. Everytime we are around the net, we are communicating. It is integral to playing the game. It just makes us a better defense.

Hamilton: Jarod, is there a sense of urgency since you are a senior and this is your last year?

Jarod Palmer: Yes... for sure. I have one last chance to leave a mark on the program. Right now, I have nowhere to play next year, so in essence I am in a tryout every time I play. But this team has a chance to be special and to be able to make a difference would be long-lasting.

MURedHawks.com: We will take one more question as we are running out of time.

Bill (Cincinnati): What are the keys to beating Michigan this weekend?

Jarod Palmer: First, we need to keep the crowd out of the game by not letting them get an early. Yost is one of the toughest places to play. We also have to play extremely physical. The other is to play extremely tight defense.

Jarod Palmer: Staying disciplined will be key as well as they have a really good power play.

MURedHawks.com: Thanks to everyone for joining us today. We will back next week focusing on the hardwood. Men's Basketball Coach Charlie Coles will be our guest.

REDHAWK CHAT: Jarod Palmer and Vincent LoVerde

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