Miami Ohio University Athletics
Honoring Miami's Hockey Seniors
2/24/2012 12:00:00 AM | Redzone
Feb. 24, 2012
By Emily Clingan and Bianca Pomponio, Sports Marketing Academy Interns
OXFORD, Ohio - For the 10 seniors on Miami's Hockey team it is almost time to close one chapter of their lives, and to start a new one. At their final home game of the regular season this Friday, these seniors will be honored for all of the achievements that they have accomplished throughout their Miami hockey careers. Within their time at Miami, these seniors have played in two Frozen Fours and won two CCHA Championships, including being part of Miami's first Mason Cup win.
The graduation of these seniors will have a huge impact on The Brotherhood. Coach Enrico Blasi and the junior class share their thoughts on some of the great moments and traditions that these seniors have brought to the team.
Reilly Smith believes that, "The ten seniors graduating have promoted and carried out the values of The Brotherhood on a daily basis since they first stepped foot on campus. Unfortunately, we can't replace them, so it will be our duty to teach these beliefs to the incoming freshmen to carry on the legacy."
The senior class has become role models not only on the ice, but also in various aspects of life. Steve Mason explains, "I have learned how to act professionally in certain situations. They know when it's time to be social and when to get to business, which is an attitude I will continue. Just watching how each of them holds themselves and how they act in different situations, like getting ready before a game or their attitude in a class, has helped me realize what it is to be a student-athlete. "
Although the seniors will be greatly missed, there will be some memories that will stick with their teammates forever. Joe Hartman shares that, "Picking one memory with one teammate would be impossible. My favorite on-ice memory with all of the guys was when we won the Mason Cup last season in Detroit. One of my favorite off- ice memories would be spending time on the road with everyone." Curtis McKenzie speaks highly of Cody Reichard and points out "It's amazing to see how hard he works every day. He is a guy that I always felt has had my back, and been there if I needed anything. He is unreal in the community, and a great role model."
Not only will their distinguished accomplishments be remembered, but small memories will be as well. For Steven Spinell, "Sitting next to Connor Knapp in the locker room," is something that he will always remember. The humor, entertainment, and inside jokes provided by this senior class will be missed by all.
As the regular season comes to a close, the graduation of these seniors becomes more of a reality. Garrett Kennedy feels that, "Time here goes by too fast not to enjoy the moment. Hearing from the seniors how they wish they had more time here and how fast it went by makes me realize I don't have that much time left and to make sure I enjoy every second." Coach Blasi states, "It's a big class so it's hard for me to say what I am going to miss. I'm going to miss them all and they mean a lot to us. They're just a good group of guys."
Come support the seniors in their final home game and the rest of the RedHawks this Friday at 6:05 p.m. as the game has been declared a whiteout. Following the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the senior class will be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments.
