Live Chat with Brian Kaufman and Kevin Roeder

 Brian Kaufman (above) and Kevin Roeder will chat live with fans on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

LIVE CHAT WITH BRIAN KAUFMAN AND KEVIN ROEDER

Captain Brian Kaufman and assistant captain Kevin Roeder will talk live with fans on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. as they get ready for their weekend series with Northern Michigan.Friday's game begins at 7:35 p.m., Saturday's at 7:05 p.m. and, if necessary the game on Sunday will start at 7:05 p.m.

MURedHawks.com: Good morning and welcome to our second internet chat. We will get started in another minute.

Marilyn (Oxford): First, let me congratulate you both on helping Miami post 100 victories during your careers here. Since we hosted Northern Michigan recently and failed to get a win, what do you plan to do differently this weekend.

BrianKaufman: We need to make it tougher on their goaltender. We need more quality opportunities and limiting our turnovers.

KevinRoeder: We need to keep the game up-tempo and shut down their offense, too.

Steve (Oxford): Brian, happy belated birthday (He turned 25 in February). Is it tough being the oldest guy on the team?

BrianKaufman: THANKS FOR BRINGING THAT UP! Sometimes. I catch a lot of grief. But at the same time, it is nice to be more mature going through school. I have to do more rehab to take care of this old body.

Bill (Oxford): Kevin, what does it mean to you that the other captains in the conference view you as the CCHA's hardest hitter?

KevinRoeder: It is a privilege to be looked at by other players to have that impact. It is just the game that I have played my entire life. It is something I take pride in.

Sam (Cincinnati): You guys are called the brotherhood. What do you do off the ice with your teammates to have that kind of connection?

BrianKaufman: Brotherhood encompasses everything on and off the ice. We spend a lot of time together. During the season, it may mean a Sunday of hanging out. In the offseason, we try to get the know the new guys with a variety of things. We play softball and golf.

Ryan (Nashville): Who has been the best player you guys have have played with in your four years?

KevinRoeder: Thanks. Definitely not Ryan Jones!

KevinRoeder: He had a big impact, but I would have to say Andy Greene. Thanks for the question Ryan.

Ian (Ind.): Hey Guys. I'm a big fan. Would you rather win the Mason Cup or go to the frozen four?

BrianKaufman: We can't do both, because that is our plan. I would like to get to the Frozen Four if I had to choose one.

KevinRoeder: I think Mason Cup, but we want to do both. One is a step to the other.

Sara (Oxford): I hear you guys like to prank each other. Who is the team's biggest "prankster"?

KevinRoeder: Justin Vaive is the biggest prankster to me. He loves to catch you off guard with water cups. He isn't as smooth as he thinks he is.

BrianKaufman: Bill Loupee. If you get a prank in the locker room and no one fesses up, we know it's him.

James: What is your favorite NHL team?

BrianKaufman: The hometown Chicago Blackhawks of course. But I like Mike Modano and the Dallas Stars

BrianKaufman: I have always been a Minnesota fan. Growing up it was the North Stars, but now it is the Wild.

Paul (Oxford): What do you guys like to eat before a game?

KevinRoeder: It's the same every game, really. Chicken Parmesan with pesto sauce.

Tank (Piqua): Kevin, who's the best-dressed RedHawk player?

BrianKaufman: It is obvious to say that I am the best dressed on the team. They don't call me GQ for nothing. I like to wear a suit and have a lot of them.

Adam (Oxford): Brian I heard you could have been a starting quarterback at Wisconsin. What made you pick hockey instead?

BrianKaufman: I have always enjoyed hockey. Growing up in Minnesota it was THE sport. I was recruited to play in college, but it is not like I was guaranteed a starting spot. Ending up at Miami, it was a dream come true, so I dont regret the choice.

Chris (New York, NY): Are you hoping that BC doesn't make the tournament this year or would you like one more shot at them?

KevinRoeder: I don't hope that they don't make it. I want to be matched up with them again. It would be nice to go out with a victory over them.

Jeff (Ontario): Who has had the best paint job on his mask in your four years?

BrianKaufman: This is a great question. If you would have asked me this a month ago, it would have been Jeff Zatkoff. But now I would have to say Jon Whitacre's new paintjob. It has airplanes and a Hawk with a pilot hat on.

Ryan (Lincoln Park): Kevin, if hockey doesnt work out, do you still plan on joining the fire department?

KevinRoeder: Yes, it is a possibility. I am going to pursue hockey first, but I do want to have a career in the fire department.

Jeff (indy): what is your guys conditioning program like? a lot of bike rides?

BrianKaufman: Yes, we have a lot of off-ice workouts. We do bike a lot during the season. After practice, we ride. The mandatory times have gone down lately, but I will go 20-30 minutes. Today, since its Thursday, I will go about 15 minutes.

Dick (Oxford): What will the two of you be doing after graduation from Miami, what will the future hold for you

KevinRoeder: I will pursue hockey as I am still interested in playing. I want to play in the United States. Since I havent been drafted yet, I am a free agent, so my opportunities are open right now.

Dave (Oxford): How does Steve Cady Arena compare to other collegiate venues you have played in?

BrianKaufman: You are right that this is my favorite place to play. The atmosphere is second to none. There are other great places in the league. Yost at Michigan comes to mind, but I would rather play here.

MURedHawks.com: We are going to take a couple more questions so these guys can get to practice.

Dave (Pittsburgh): He guys, being from Pittsburgh I'm a huge Steelers football fan. My question is, besides hockey, what other sports do you like?

KevinRoeder: I like to play golf, but I can't watch golf. I love to watch my Cubs, the best team in major league baseball (Brian: that has never won a championship). I love to play softball... chicago style.

Gumbo (Oxford): how does it feel to walk out of that tunnel guys?

BrianKaufman: To hear the band playing and the fans cheering is amazing. It is weird to think that I only have a couple more times out of the tunnel here.

Dick: How would you explain the time you have spent at Miami as a player and a student

BrianKaufman: I could not have asked for anything better out of a college experience. From a hockey side, everything from the coaches, players, facilities is top-notch. The campus is unbelieveable and the college atmosphore is great.

KevinRoeder: I have had an unbelievable four years here. It was incredible. Hockey, I have had the best opportunity... great coaches, great teammates and incredible community support. I have enjoyed living in Oxford and the Miami education has been wonderful.

MURedHawks.com: This one seems to be popular... so as the final question -- on the record:

Rebecca (Oxford): Are you two single?

BrianKaufman: No, I have a girlfriend. Thanks for asking.

KevinRoeder: I am happily seeing someone, too. She is from back home. We are both flattered for the question.

MURedHawks.com: Thanks to the players for participating and thank you for asking some questions. We even had players asking questions. Don't forget that these guys hit the ice this weekend for a big series against Northern Michigan.

MURedHawks.com: Games are 7:35 on Friday and 7:05 on Saturday and Sunday (if necessary). Call the ticket office at 866-MUHawks for more information.

MURedHawks.com: Thank you again.

Miami Ohio University Athletics

Live Chat with Brian Kaufman and Kevin Roeder

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