RedHawks return to the ice tonight

Today’s game

Who: Miami RedHawks (10-5-3) vs. Maine Black Bears (8-4-4)

What: Florida College Classic

When: 7:35 p.m.

Where: Germain Arena, Estero, Fla.

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450)

OXFORD — Nearly a month since their last game, the Miami RedHawks return to the ice tonight ... in Florida of all places.

The sixth-ranked RedHawks (10-5-4) face No. 9 Maine (8-4-4) at 7:35 p.m. in the Florida College Classic at Germain Arena in Estero, Fla.

Cornell (4-6-1) and St. Cloud State (5-11-2) open the tournament at 4:05 p.m.

The consolation and championship games are Thursday.

“This is it,” Miami coach Rico Blasi said Monday. “We had a nice little break. Now it’s time to get back into the competitive mode.”

Miami last played on Dec. 4, a 5-2 win over Notre Dame in Central Collegiate Hockey Association play.

Since then, a bye week in the schedule, time off to study for exams and time at home during the holidays have kept the RedHawks from game action for 25 days.

“It’s always great to go home and be with the family. That’s important to do and a lot of fun,” Miami senior forward Carter Camper said. “But I was eager to get back, and I’m sure the team was eager to get back. The second half (of the season) is where it all counts and where it all matters.”

Camper has been counting up points this season at a near two-point per game clip with 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 18 games. That total leads the nation.

Teammate Andy Miele, also a senior, ranks second nationally with 31 points (8-23). Miele leads the nation in assists.

Miami ranks second in the country in scoring offense (3.83 goals per game).

The Black Bears, who are 2-3-1 in their last six games after a 6-1-3 start, aren’t as potent offensively as Miami, but rank 10th at 3.56 goals per game.

Juniors Spencer Abbott (11-10) and Gustav Nyquist (6-14) lead Maine with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

“It’s definitely been a while,” Camper said. “We had a great practice (Sunday) and (Monday) was even better. We were up and down in the first half (of the season). We all know the time to shine is right now. We’re excited to do that.”

Miami returns to CCHA play Jan. 7-8 at Ohio State.