Rivalry Weekend: Miami Hockey vs. Ohio State
2/23/2012 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
Feb. 23, 2012
By Emily Clingan, Sports Marketing Academy Intern
OXFORD, Ohio - Miami's hockey teams will be meeting the Ohio State Buckeyes for the second time this season on February 24 and 25. After splitting the wins on a weekend back in December, the RedHawks seek to come out on top in both games this time around. Miami has faced Ohio State more than any other school, playing previously 136 games.
In this home-and-home series, both teams will have a sense of "home-ice advantage;" however, some say that it doesn't matter where you play but who you play with and for. Before the current RedHawks joined what they call, `The Brotherhood', each player developed their skill and knowledge of the game elsewhere. For junior Curtis McKenzie and senior Cody Reichard, it was alongside Ohio State's Devon Krogh, Cory Schneider, and Paul Kirtland. The unique bond Miami's Brotherhood has makes the average fan forget that these players have played on other teams with other players before their time at Miami. So, how does a RedHawk handle playing a former teammate? How does rivalry play into the competitive drive during the split game weekend versus Ohio State?
Junior Curtis McKenzie previously played alongside Ohio State's Devon Krogh and Cory Schneider for the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
"Playing against former teammates gives a very different perspective to the game," says McKenzie. When asked whether who wins or loses, does the friendship remain, McKenzie explains, "With Krogh and Schneider, who are very close friends that I respect, the friendship will always be there." And if the RedHawks do win, "we joke around about it and always try to one-up each other, especially when we see each other in the summer," he said.
Senior Cody Reichard previously played for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with Ohio State's Paul Kirtland.
When asked what it is like to play against a former teammate, Reichard said, "It is kind of weird but very fun." Win or lose, the two remain good friends and always take the time to catch up.
Come support your RedHawks as they take on former teammates and current rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Friday's home hockey game is a white-out. The puck drop will be earlier than usual, 6:05 p.m. to accommodate television. The seniors will be honored at the conclusion of the game as part of Senior Night.