1/28/2013

Coming off a sweep of the Kentucky Wildcats two weeks ago, the Rockets entered this past weekend facing arguably their biggest challenge of the season thus far; two games, at home against the number one ranked Miami University Redhawks.  Playing any number one team can be a taunting task but coming into this weekend, the only blemish on the Redhawks record was an overtime loss to perennial powerhouse Grand Valley State.  Without question, they were the number one team in the Southeast Region of the ACHA and some speculated the number one team in the nation.

Friday night, the Redhawks showed exactly why they are ranked number one.  They capitalized on key opportunities and stymied the Rockets offensively.  UT showed bursts of good play but could not take control of the tempo.  A fluke first goal followed by two powerplay goals and a shorthanded marker was more than enough offense for the Redhawks as they took the win 4-0.  The Rockets did manage to get 37 shots on the Miami netminder but missed several golden scoring opportunities and could not sustain pressure.

Saturday night was a different story altogether though.  The Rockets looked much more focused and executed much better overall.  Playing with more speed than the night before, the Rockets battled Miami up and down the ice for much of the first period and held the upper hand in shots.  Finally, with 6:32 remaining, a one timer from Sven Weisser slipped through Miami’s keeper giving the Rockets their first lead of the game.  Second semester addition Jesse Bachli picked up his first point since returning to the team, adding an assist to Weisser’s goal.  Without giving Miami any time to recover, freshman Zach Born lit the lamp two minutes later on a nice feed from Brent Bain.  The goal was a huge momentum boost for the Rockets as they took a 2-0 lead into the locker room during the first intermission.

As expected, the second period started with Miami coming full force at the Rockets.  The Redhawks managed to pin UT in it’s own end for the first two minutes before the Rockets starters could finally clear the zone.  When they did though, Bain was able to find Evan Johnston on the rush and Johnston buried one in the pack of Miami’s net.  The score now read UT 3, Miami 0.  Undeterred, Miami battled back and managed to score the next two goals.  At the end of the second, the Rockets were clinging to a 3-2 lead.

The third period opened up much like the first did with both teams flying up and down the ice.  After trading scoring opportunities, Rocket center Chris Watkins was finally able to capitalize with 13:43 remaining.  Defenseman Jordan Jones picked up the assist on the key tally, once again giving the Rockets some breathing room and a 4-2 lead.  As the third period continued, the Rockets battled through several penalty kills before the Miami pressure was finally able to break down the UT defense with a goal at the 4:03 mark.  Less than a minute later though, Bain found Born with a pass that Born was able to put past the Miami netminder.  The score was Born’s second of the night and the assist completed Bain’s playmaker (3 assits).  In the remaining three minutes, the Rockets were able to hold off the last push from Miami and seal the 5-3 victory.  In total, Rocket senior goalie Craig Trego made 34 saves in the contest including several big ones down the stretch.

Handing Miami its first regulation loss is a huge accomplishment for the Rockets, but only adds to a growing target on their backs as they look to finish up the regular season and clinch a TSCHL regular season title.  The Rockets will take to the road next weekend in a quest for this championship as they take on West Virginia and then Ohio University.