NHL RedHawks part of MU’s 1st pro camp

Blasi excited for chance to welcome Miami’s pro alums.

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12:28 AM Friday, August 19, 2011

By Pete Conrad

Staff Writer

OXFORD — The recent surge of Miami University hockey players into the professional ranks has given RedHawks coach Enrico Blasi the chance he was waiting for.

Miami will welcome 12 of its former standouts to Steve Cady Arena next week, Aug. 22-26, for the school’s inaugural pro camp.

“A big part of our program is our alumni,” Blasi said, “and we want to make sure we give them any opportunity we can to get them ready for the upcoming season.”

The camp participants will include four players with National Hockey League experience.

The senior member of that group is New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (Miami class of 2006). Others are Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (2009), Colorado Avalanche forward Justin Mercier (2009) and San Jose Sharks forward Tommy Wingels (2011).

Other class of 2011 participants are Boston Bruins prospect Carter Camper, Phoenix Coyotes prospect Andy Miele, Vincent LoVerde of the Greenville Road Warriors in the ECHL and Anaheim Ducks draft pick Justin Vaive.

The roster also includes Jarod Palmer (2010), Minnesota Wild prospect; Brandon Smith (2010), Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the CHL; Gary Steffes (2009), Tulsa Oilers of the CHL; and Jeff Zatkoff (2009), Los Angeles Kings prospect.

“It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a while,” Blasi said. “We haven’t had the opportunity as far as the number of players was concerned. You can’t have a camp with just two players.

“This is a good start and hopefully we’ll have a chance to grow it,” added Blasi, who will conduct the camp along with associate head coach Brent Brekke, assistant coach Nick Petraglia and volunteer assistant coach Brian Kaufman.

Players will participate in skill sessions and stations, small area games, scrimmages and other drills from 1:15 to 4 p.m. each day except Aug. 23, when their ice time is scheduled to start at 7 a.m.

Spectators are welcome to watch the afternoon on-ice workouts Aug. 22 and 24-26.

“Our program is constantly trying to give back to the community, and this is a win-win for everybody,” Blasi said. “It’s great that our fans can come and watch.”

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