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Team USA routs Denmark 11-3
Miami’s Austin Czarnik had two assists and generated several quality scoring chances and linemates Kyle Rau and Nick Bjugstad combined for three goals as Team USA won its first WJC match 11-3.
The U.S. led 3-2 after one period as the Danes were able to keep the score close on the strength of two powerplay goals. But, at even strength, they were no match for the Americans who outshot Denmark 44-24 on the night.
In the second, the United States exploded for six goals to end any drama.
Denmark would add one more powerplay marker in the third and Jack Campbell made 21 saves for the victory.
Next up for Team USA is Finland on Wednesday at 3:30pm EDT. The game will be televised on NHL Network.
Overall, I was impressed by the combination of size and speed of the Americans. On the blueline, the Americans are imposing with former Notre Dame commit, Jarred Tinordi leading the troops and standing a stout 6’7″. But, the U.S. goes 6’7″ (Tinordi), 6’5″ (Derek Forbort), 6’4″ (Stephen Johns and Kevin Gravel), 6’3 (Jon Merrill) and 6’2″ (Jacob Trouba). In addition the speed of Jason Zucker, Austin Czarnik and Emerson Etem was devastating as Czarnik in particular was flying all over the ice. Said, Miami’s Trent Vogelhuber on his Twitter feed last night, “Good start for USA’s @ACzarnik7. Best player under 5’7″ I’ve ever played with. @Andy_Miele and @c_camps11 (Carter Camper) battling it out for the #2 spot.” And, Chris Wideman added, “Watched the USA game tonight and can’t help but thinking @ACzarnik7 was the best forward on the ice.”
I was also impressed by the Americans puck movement and though they’ve just been together a short time, they looked reasonably smooth and fluid. It will be interesting to see if they can keep it up against better competition such as Finland (though they were beaten 8-1 yesterday by Team Canada) and the Czech Republic (who face Denmark today). Overall, a good start for Team USA.
Notes
– Canadian “fans” were chanting “USA sucks” throughout the game. You stay classy Canada.
– Former BU standout Charlie Coyle registered a hat trick for Team USA.
– Chris Peters had this to say about the game at the UnitedStatesofHockey.com
Follow Austin and Team USA through the WJC on NHL Network
Merry Christmas to all!
Considering the pro basketball league started their season today, I spent the afternoon watching replays of the 2010 WJC when Team USA rolled Finland, Sweden and Canada in succession to capture gold on Canuck soil. Here’s hoping this year’s squad, coached by UNO head man Dean Blais (who also coached the ’10 team) can earn some hardware for the Red, White and Blue. If they medal, it will be the third consecutive year for the Americans which would be a first in our country’s history.
As you know, Miami will be represented on Team USA by freshman center Austin Czarnik. NHL Network will have each U.S. game. Here’s the broadcast schedule so you can follow Austin and Team USA throughout the tournament.
Go Austin! Go USA!
Dec. 26 – Jan. 5
| Date | Game | Time (EST) |
| Mon., Dec. 26 | Canada vs. Finland | 3:30 p.m. |
| USA vs. Denmark | 8 p.m. | |
| Tues., Dec. 27 | Denmark vs. Czech Republic | 8 p.m. |
| Wed., Dec. 28 | Finland vs. USA | 3:30 p.m. |
| Czech Republic vs. Canada | 8 p.m. | |
| Thurs., Dec. 29 | Canada vs. Denmark | 8 p.m. |
| Fri., Dec. 30 | Czech Republic vs. USA | 3:30 p.m. |
| Finland vs. Denmark | 8 p.m. | |
| Sat., Dec. 31 | USA vs. Canada | 8 p.m. |
| Mon., Jan. 2 | Quarterfinal #1 | 5:00 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal #2 | 9:00 p.m. | |
| Tue., Jan. 3 | Semifinal #1 | 5:00 p.m. |
| Semifinal #2* | 9:00 p.m. | |
| Thur., Jan. 5 | Bronze-Medal Game | 3:30 p.m. |
| Gold-Medal Game | 8:00 p.m. |
Czarnik Named to Team USA Roster
Earlier this morning, Miami’s Austin Czarnik was named to the final Team USA World Junior Championship roster. Team USA will compete in the IIHF U-20 Championship in Calgary, Alberta starting on December 26.
Czarnik’s 1-1-2 performance in Team USA’s 7-3 victory over Switzerland in exhibition play likely earned him a spot on the final roster.
The United States will face Denmark, Finland, the Czech Republic and Canada in group play and hope to medal for what would be an unprecedented third consecutive year in program history.
Last season, the U.S. entered the tournament as the defending gold medalists but were unable to reclaim gold on U.S. soil. That honor went to the Russians who mounted an unbelievable third period comeback to defeat Canada 5-3. The Russians erased a 3-0 deficit after two periods to score 5 in the third to win gold. Blame Canada, indeed.
Good luck to Austin and Team USA!
Notes
The Edmonton Journal has more on Austin’s game.
Palmer Likely to Debut Tonight for Wild
Former Miami RedHawk Jarod Palmer is likely to make his NHL debut tonight when the Minnesota Wild host the New York Islanders in St. Paul.
Palmer, who was signed following the completion of the 2010 season as an undrafted free agent has spent parts of the last two seasons playing for the Wild’s AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros, where he has registered 13-25-38 and an impressive +20 in 91 career games.
This is tremendous news because obviously Palmer holds a special place in the hearts of RedHawk fans as he was so instrumental in leading Miami to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Frozen Four in 2009 and 2010.
In his Miami career, Palmer never missed a game recording 137 points (47-90=137) in 169 outings for the Red and White and was an integral part of Miami’s incredibly successful penalty killing unit that dominated opponents. I fondly remember he and Andy Miele working the first PK unit together and literally maintaining possession in the offensive zone, sometimes throughout the kill.
Congratulations Jarod!
duhOSU Coach: “Learnin’ Got in the Way”
In a manner of speaking, Ohio State head coach Mark Osiecki said that because of finals week at the degree factory school, the Buckeyes’ preparation was affected ultimately leading to tonight’s 5-3 loss at the hands of the RedHawks.
Only Ohio State, folks.
SCSU’s Journey to the NCHC
Earlier this week, the St. Cloud Times published an incredibly interesting article about SCSU’s circuitous journey to become the 7th member of the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Through a significant public records request, the Times pieced together how St. Cloud’s president (Earl Potter III), head hockey coach (former Miami assistant Bob Motzko) and a consultant (former North Dakota head coach Gino Gasparini) worked the back channels, the media and the other NCHC athletic directors and coaches to earn a home in the new conference.
Kudos to St. Cloud State’s leadership in trying to take the high road and being ready to accept the invite that eventually came in September even though the charter members, including Miami, were announced in July.
Though I must be honest and profess that I would have preferred Notre Dame over St. Cloud, in the end, I think the inclusion of the Huskies will benefit the league. And, as Gasparini said in an email, SCSU “allows the fox into the hen house.” By that, Gasparini was referring to the opening of the recruiting flood gates for Miami (and Western Michigan) as they will now have more occasion to be in Minnesota, playing and selling the state’s best junior/high school players on Miami hockey. In short, the league will most certainly make recruiting the “State of Hockey” easier and more effective than ever for the RedHawks. And, the inclusion of St. Cloud State is one reason why it will happen.
Czarnik invited to Team USA World Junior Camp
Earlier this week, Miami freshman center Austin Czarnik was invited to attend the United States’ World Junior Team camp meaning he has an opportunity to earn a spot on Team USA’s U-20 team and play for his country.
The International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship is the most prestigious junior tournament in the world and includes the best hockey players under twenty years old on the planet. This year’s tournament will be held December 26, 2011 – January 5, 2012, in Calgary and Edmonton, Alta.
Last year, the United States hosted in Buffalo, N.Y. and did so as the defending champions. However, the red, white and blue were unable to defend their crown and instead settled for bronze by defeating Sweden in the bronze medal game. In doing so, the U.S. medaled for the second consecutive year for the first time in our nation’s hockey history.
Czarnik will be one of 29 players who attend camp hoping to earn a roster spot with the goal to run the U.S. streak to three consecutive years to earn hardware. The team will head to camp in Camrose, Alta. on December 17 and the final U.S. National Junior Team roster is expected to be released on December 22, 2011.
Congratulations, Austin!
Miami defeats Ohio State 5-3
I have to believe Peter Venkman was thinking of what would happen to the world should Ohio State ever put forth a competitive hockey club when he uttered the famous line, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together… mass hysteria!”
Thankfully, all was right with the world, for at least one night, as the up-and-down Miami RedHawks (9-8-3, 5-6-2-1 CCHA) hit an “up” as they defeated Ohio State (12-4-1, 9-3-1-1 CCHA) 5-3 at Cheap Furniture Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Miami received goals from freshmen Jimmy Mullin, Blake Coleman and Austin Czarnik and sophomore Bryon Paulazzo and senior Matt Tomassoni (shorthanded) also lit the lamp for the RedHawks.
On the night, Miami outshot Ohio State 38-30 as senior netminder Connor Knapp won his third game of the season against four defeats.
We’ll have more on tonight’s game as well as Saturday’s series finale in Oxford later this weekend.
Notes
– Miami broke Ohio State’s nine game winning streak and eleven game unbeaten streak
– The victory was the 600th in school history and head coach Enrico Blasi’s first against OSU’s second-year coach, Mark Osiecki. Ohio State swept Miami last year in Columbus.
– Miami won for the first time in the last four games in Columbus (1-2-1)
– With the victory, Miami is currently 17th in the Pairwise and 15th in KRACH having played the 7th most difficult schedule in the country.
– Miami is now 3-0-1 vs. Top 10 opponents. The talent is there, now it’s time for consistency.
Miami drops opener at NMU, 2-1
Northern Michigan’s Brian Nugent scored at 17:50 of the third period to break a 1-1 tie and someone named Jared Coreau made 25 saves as #18 Miami dropped a 2-1 decision on Friday night at the Berry Events Center in Marquette, Mich.
Miami outshot the Wildcats 26-17 on the evening but could muster just one goal, from junior defenseman Steven Spinell of all people. This against a team that dressed just 17 skaters, played its back-up goaltender, had three starting defensemen sit out due to suspension and had exactly one win in their previous eight games.
That pretty much says it all.
This team has me completely confused and sits tied with Michigan State for 6th place in the CCHA — though the Spartans have two league games in-hand. A loss in the series finale Saturday night would allow Northern Michigan to pass the RedHawks in the CCHA standings as their roller coaster season continues. Worse, the consistent manner in which this team continues to allow late third period goals is astounding. Here’s a quick run down of the late third period tallies that have doomed the season thus far.
Oct. 7 vs. Bemidji – score tied 3-3, BSU scores at 18:05, wins 5-3
Oct. 28 vs. Lake State – Miami trails 4-3, Lakers score at 18:03, win 5-3
Nov. 12 vs. Michigan – Miami leads 3-2, U-M scores at 16:06, game ends in 3-3 tie
Nov. 19 vs. BG – Miami leads 4-3, BG scores at 18:48, game ends in 4-4 tie
Dec. 2 vs. NMU – score tied 1-1, NMU scores at 17:50, wins 2-1
Needless to say, Saturday’s game is a must-win lest the RedHawks allow the momentum of the 6-0-2 streak and Denver Cup championship to waft silently away.
Notes
– Cody Reichard started the game allowing one goal on three shots before giving way to anointed starter Connor Knapp who entered at the 9:39 mark of the first period. Knapp was denied the chance to start by head coach Enrico Blasi because he was late to the team’s breakfast. Presumably Reichard starts Saturday night.
– Spinell’s goal was just the third of his Miami career (85 games).
Weekend Preview: Miami v. Northern Michigan
Coming off last weekend’s sweep of Providence and Denver at the Denver Cup Classic, # 18 Miami (8-6-2, 4-4-2-1 CCHA) is again on the road as they travel to Marquette, Mich. to take on the Northern Michigan University Wildcats (5-6-3, 2-5-3-2 CCHA) in a two-game CCHA series.
Last weekend Miami concluded an unbeaten November (6-0-2) by claiming the second Denver Cup in school history defeating Providence and # 10 Denver by 6-2 and 4-2 scores, respectively. The RedHawks were led by junior forward Reilly Smith as he was named the most outstanding player in the tournament, freshman forward Austin Czarnik and senior goaltender Cody Reichard who played outstanding in Miami’s win over Denver on Saturday night. All three RedHawks were named to the all tournament team and all three were named CCHA players of the month for November capping quite a turnaround from October’s dismal 2-6 start.
While Miami enters on a roll, Northern Michigan comes into play having won their last game 2-1 over visiting Michigan State on November 19. However, that win snapped an eight-game winless streak and cost the Wildcats the services of three defensemen who all received DQ’s as a result of the “pleasantries” that occurred at the end of Saturday night’s contest. According to Matt Wellens of the Marquette Mining Journal, sophomore Wade Epp, junior Kyle Follmer and junior captain Scott Macaulay will all sit out Friday night’s game along with senior forward Andrew Cherniwchan who will miss the weekend due to injury. The Wildcats will dress just 17 skaters Friday and move several forwards back to defense to accommodate for their missing teammates.
Considering this, Miami needs to jump on NMU quickly on Friday and hope to carry momentum into Saturday night’s finale. The RedHawks really have no excuse to do any less than split in Marquette even though the RedHawks’ all-time record there is just 7-16-1. Miami has won the previous four in the series but still trails all-time 19-31-3 as the Wildcats beat up on Miami in the 80s as the program was in the early days of existence.
Though defensively hobbled on Friday, Miami must still find a way to beat senior netminder Reid Ellingson who has been outstanding this year with a 2.31 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. The Wildcats are led offensively by seniors Justin Florek (7-4-11) and Tyler Gron (6-3-9). The leading assist man on the team is junior defenseman Kyle Follmer with 1-8-9.
While I think we should sweep, I get the feeling we’ll split.
Notes
– Here is a link to the Miami game notes.
– Coverage from John Boyle of the Dayton Daily News.
– Coverage from Upper Michigan Source.
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