The BG hockey team has not fared well against Miami University since Head Coach Chris Bergeron took over the team prior to the 2010-11 season.
In fact, that lack of success against the RedHawks precedes Bergeron, who was an assistant coach at Miami from 2000-2010 and a player from 1989-93. The Falcons are 0-13-1 against Miami in the team’s past 14 meetings, with the tie occurring this past season on Nov. 19, 2011.
That tie — and eventual shootout win — broke a 12-game losing streak against Miami. The last time BG defeated the RedHawks in regulation was Jan. 4, 2008.
Bergeron was on the bench for the beginning of that Miami domination against the Falcons. While he said he still, and always will, hold strong feelings for his alma mater, he said there are more unfamiliar faces on the team now than when he first took the BG job.
“It’s the most difficult place for me to go as a visitor … it’s part of my life, will always be part of my life and I’m proud of that,” Bergeron said. “I cheer for them when we’re not playing them, and when we are playing them obviously I don’t want them to do well. I don’t think that will ever change just because of how deep my feelings go for the place.”
Ranked No. 6 in the nation, the RedHawks boast one of the most electric scoring duos in the nation in Austin Czarnik and Riley Barber. They rank first and second in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in scoring with 26 and 25 points, respectively.
However, Miami is not deep in terms of offensive production. Curtis McKenzie ranks third on the team with 15 points, and Cody Murphy is the only other forward with at least 10 points. Matthew Caito leads RedHawks defensemen with 10 points.
Miami’s strength lies in its defense, which is by far the stingiest in the CCHA, allowing only 1.58 goals per game.
That proficiency has been spearheaded by a pair of freshmen: Jay Williams and Ryan McKay. Tasked with replacing last season’s duo of Cody Reichard and Connor Knapp, Williams and McKay have exceeded expectations thus far.
McKay has played in fewer games — nine, all starts — but has posted the better numbers. He has allowed only eight goals all season, giving him a .97 goals-against average and a .964 save percent. Both of the numbers are by far the best in the nation among goalies who have played in at least 33 percent of their team’s minutes.
Williams, on the other hand, has been no slouch. In 16 games, 15 starts, he has a 1.86 GAA and a .927 save percent. His GAA is good for fifth in the CCHA and 12th nationally.
“When you lose two seniors, you think there is going to be a little bit of a drop off,” Bergeron said. “But it seems that there hasn’t been a drop off at all.”
Bergeron said much of Miami’s defensive success comes from their attention to detail, as well as their familiarity with Head Coach Enrico Blasi — who has been at the school for 14 years — and the system that he runs.
“They’re doing the small things the way you’re supposed to do them,” Bergeron said. “I think that they’ve been doing it for so long now that it’s almost routine.”
Friday’s game in Oxford, Ohio is scheduled for a 7:35 p.m. puck drop, while Saturday’s game will begin at 7:05 p.m.
