>USA Today has released it’s first NCAA Division I hockey poll of the season. Our Miami RedHawks come in at number eight on the list. Here now, the always exciting top fifteen teams:

1. Boston College
2. University of Michigan
3. University of Notre Dame
4. University of North Dakota
5. Colorado College
6. University of Denver
7. University of New Hampshire
8. Miami University
9. University of Minnesota
10. Boston University
11. Clarkson University
12. Michigan State University
13. University of Wisconsin
14. Northern Michigan University
15. St. Cloud State University

This is the 25th consecutive week that the RedHawks have been ranked in the top 10. Personally, I think slotting us in the number eight spot is just right. We lost a lot this offseason and I think there is a general condern of just how well we’ll perform this season, under such circumstances.

What do you think? Too high? Too low? What about the other teams?

>According to the Western Michigan University website, the first game of the weekend series against the Broncos (originally scheduled for Friday, 12/5) has been moved to the Sunday, December 7th to accommodate the game’s live broadcast on ESPN U.

Here is the official release from Western Michigan.

>Per MURedhawks.com:

The game times for the Miami Michigan State series in Oxford on Jan. 16-17 have been changed to 8:05 Eastern Standard Time in order for the game to be broadcast live on CBS college sports. The games had been scheduled for 7:35 p.m. on Friday and 7:05 p.m. on Saturday but have been moved back to accommodate television.

For those who aren’t aware, CBS college sports is the “old” CSTV. If you have DirecTV as I do, it can be found on channel 613.

>As the RedHawks were enjoying an afternoon skate, a poster over on MiamiHawkTalk stopped by and had a few observations to make. Full credit goes to him on this update.

* Knapp looked very solid. Flashed the leather a couple of times nicely.

* Nate Davis skating w/ the team.

* Eichenlaub was skating; looked like he was paired w/ Tomassoni mostly.

* Weber was paired w/ LoVerde for most drills. Moves so well for such a big fellow as advertised. Nice snap-shot as well.

* Mercier practices like it’s the last time he’s ever gonna lace them up again. Very fun to watch.

* Palmer sure is fun to watch in one-on-one drills. He can really dangle.

A few observations, of my own, now:

– Nice to Knapp looking good. I realize that it’s VERY early on, but it’s still promising to see for the upcoming season. I’ll admit, that as soon as I heard Conner had committed to the program, I’ve been a big fan, simply because of his size. My one hope is that he’s coordinated for his size (as some big people aren’t).

– Good to see Ray Eichenlaub back in good form, after being hit by a car a few months ago.

– I’m also very excited about Will Weber. Personally, I don’t think he’ll stay for all four years of his college career, but I’m very hopeful that he will. Weber seems like a real gem and paired with Vincent LoVerde on the first line, will be very solid.

– I love the hustle from Justin Mercier. Personally, I thought he would wear the “C” for the RedHawks this season, based on his hard nosed play throughout the past three years. He seems as if he could really possess some great leadership qualities.

– I’m interested to see where Kevin Roeder winds up. Once again, it’s very early in terms of defensive parings, but my question remains, as to who’ll play on the second line with Roeder, if that’s where he ends up. There are a few options:

Weber/LoVerde
Roeder/ Wideman/Schilling/Smith/Findorff
Eichenlaub/Tomassoni

Realistically, I can’t see anyone of these four options playing on the second line, but I have yet to see/hear anything about Cameron Schilling, or Chris Wideman. I would also suspect that if Michael Findorff sees action this season, it would be on a third-line pairing, same with Brandon Smith.

>If you’re going absolutely bonkers without any hockey action these days, head on over to The Voice of the RedHawks Blog and check out some of the Miami/Boston College post game audio. Something to get you through these warm summer nights. Part one of the audio can be found here and part two of the audio can be found here.

Also, if you’re more of a visual person, head on over to YouTube and check out some of the great Miami hockey highlights put together by Miami legend/jack of all trades Steve Baker. Maybe you’re like I am, and miss hearing “Diamond” Dave Allen’s trademark “Score for Miami” and “This One’s a Miami Winner” calls. You’ll find it all on YouTube. Those videos can be found here.

>Yup. Finally, in print, here are the rule changes for the 2008-2009 season. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.