Sports

WORCESTER, Mass. — Ryan Jones sat at the interview table and displayed his Miami University hockey jersey with pride.

The senior forward tried to remain composed Sunday, March 30, but it wasn't easy. Not after the RedHawks lost to Boston College 4-3 in overtime in the NCAA Northeast Regional championship game at the DCU Center.

"I'm sitting here in my jersey for a reason," said Jones, Miami's captain and Hobey Baker Award Top 10 finalist. "It's kind of scary to think about taking it off for the last time. I got to play with a bunch of guys I loved. I can't even put into words what it meant for me to come back this year.

"I heard the comment that Miami strives to be BC," he continued. "But Miami just strives to be Miami. Love and honor to Miami. This team's going to be there someday. I'll be the first alum to call when they go to the Frozen Four."

This was Miami's third consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament and third consecutive ouster by the Eagles. The last two defeats have come in the regional finals.

Jones is one of seven RedHawk seniors. The others are Mitch Ganzak, Brad Robbins, Nino Musitelli, Charlie Effinger, Nathan Davis (who did not play Sunday after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury Saturday, March 29) and Charley Fetzer.

"I'm as proud of this team as if we won a national championship," MU coach Enrico Blasi said. "These guys gave it everything they had every day. The way they conducted themselves, the way they represented our league ... these guys are champions in my book. The seniors especially elevated the program. I don't know that you can ask anything more of a senior class."

By the numbers

• Miami junior Jeff Zatkoff had 38 saves and BC freshman John Muse totaled 34 in the regional final. The Eagles had a 42-37 advantage in shots, though the RedHawks more than doubled their opponents (10-4) in overtime.

"In the OT itself, I thought Miami clearly had the better chances, the better of play," Boston College coach Jerry York said. "The assistant coaches were saying, 'We better call a timeout here.' So we called the timeout and just kind of reassured the kids. (I said) let's not think about Denver and the chance to go to the Frozen Four. Let's try to win a hockey game. Because I thought at that point, we were sitting back. Our mode all year has been being the aggressor."

• Before Sunday's defeat, the RedHawks were 22-0 this season when they scored first. Jarod Palmer's goal gave Miami the lead just 90 seconds into the contest.

• Alec Martinez, Kevin Roeder, Brian Kaufman and Carter Camper had MU's assists against the Eagles.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com

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