Congratulations to Miami Junior Steven Spinell for earning the CCHA Gladiator Defenseman of the Week for his performances against Ohio State this past weekend. This is his first career weekly or monthly award from the CCHA, and the second time the ‘Hawks have taken home the Defensive POTW, as Chris Wideman won the same award November 21st.

As Redhawk95 mentioned on Friday night, Spinell was propelled by his +4 rating on Friday, and he also assisted on Bryon Paulazzo’s game winning goal in the 5-3 victory in Columbus.  He was on the ice for 4 of the 5 Miami goals including Matt Tomassoni’s shorthanded goal, and also blocked 3 shots on the night.  In Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the same OSU squad, Steven had 3 shots and blocked another 2 for a total of 5 on the weekend.  Spinell also spearheads Miami’s second Penalty Kill line, and for the weekend the ‘Hawks were 10 for 11 on the penalty kill.

On the season, Spinell has played in all 20 games (only 1 of 4 Hawks that can say that), he leads the team with 29 total blocked shots, and has 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 total points. Spinell is turning into another excellent blue-liner, and appears headed towards a captaincy in the 2012-13 season if things fall right for Head Coach Enrico Blasi next year.