>Well sports fans, we knew we’d be in for a bumpy ride the first few weeks…months, maybe of this 2008-2009 season, and tonight, was bumpy. BUT…no cause for concern just yet…it’s only game one.

After falling down 0-2 at the end of the first period, the RedHawks were off to a slow start, but gained more momentum as the night went on. In a very exciting hockey game…Miami simply kept fighting.

“It was a really good hockey game,” said Miami head-man Enrico Blasi. “Ohio State has much better speed up front and (Joseph) Palmer played great tonight. I think we got better as the game went on and were fortunate to get that five-on-three and a goal out of it. All night the five-on-five hockey game was exciting.”

Miami would tie the game in the second and then again in the third, forcing a 5 minute overtime period. Neither team could bury the puck post-regulation, so the stalemate continued and the CCHA would see it’s first ever shootout take place from Value City Arena…a shootout the Buckeyes won 3-1.

“It doesn’t feel like a loss because we got a point,” Blasi said. “We just need to keep getting contribution from our older guys while the younger guys get more experience.”

Happy about his team’s win, OSU Head Coach John Markell certainly didn’t expect to see a shootout so soon.

“The shootout was exciting for the fans. I didn’t expect it this early in the season. The win in the shootout was important for us because last year we lost to them in a shootout situation. I was excited for the young guys to get some payback.”

OSU received solid play from junior goaltender Joseph Palmer all evening…and after the game he offered his take on the post-OT action…as well as his thoughts on beating Miami.

“It is a great way to start off the season, said Palmer. “You’re nervous about how the shootout is going to affect you during the season and fortunately for us we got the win tonight.” It (the win) feels good. Miami is always going to play hard no matter when or where. Games against Miami are always fun.”

Not a bad showing from the RedHawks for game one, but certainly not their best. Nine penalties on the night…three alone on Andy Miele. Need to stay out of the box fellas. Could have been worse though, I suppose. Ohio State was tagged for twelve calls. Game two of the match-up tomorrow night in Oxford. The game will be broadcast on ONN…faceoff, set for 7:05pm.

Breaking it Down:

Miami Goals:
– Carter Camper (Jarod Palmer, Chris Wideman)

– Justin Vaive (Brian Kaufman, Alex Lacombe)

– Jarod Palmer (Chris Wideman, Carter Camper)

Between the Pipes:
Cody Reichard
26 Saves, 3 Goals Against

(Quotes courtesy of OhioStateBuckeyes.com)

Enrico Blasi Post-Game Audio