RedHawks stuff Alabama-Huntsville

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer 1:05 AM Saturday, February 11, 2012

OXFORD — It’s been a tough year for the University of Alabama-Huntsville hockey team, and the Miami RedHawks did a good job of making it just a little worse Friday night.

Miami’s defense held UAH to just 12 shots on goal and skated to a 3-1 victory in a nonconference game at Steve Cady Arena.

Tyler Biggs, Bryon Paulazzo and Reilly Smith each scored a goal as the RedHawks broke a two-game losing streak and ran their record to 16-13-2 overall.

UAH, trailing 3-1 six minutes into the third period, had a chance to get back into the game with a five-minute power play after Paulazzo was given a game misconduct for checking from behind.

The Chargers did not score. They didn’t even get a shot on goal.

“We take a lot of pride in our power kill,” said Miami junior defenseman Steven Spinell, who had three blocks, as did teammates Joe Hartman and Garrett Kennedy. “We weren’t so great against Michigan, so it was a big focus tonight.”

Miami was swept last weekend at Michigan, losing 4-1 and 3-0.

“We played hard tonight,” Miami coach Enrico Blasi said, “and our second and third periods were our best periods. (The Chargers) keep coming at you and you have to continue to make plays.”

The Chargers, who last faced Miami in the opening round of the 2010 NCAA tournament, fell to 2-27-1. At times, however, Alabama-Huntsville’s play has been impressive this season with a victory over Denver and a pair of one-goal losses to defending-national champion Minnesota Duluth.

After a first period that ended in a 1-1 tie, however, it was all RedHawks on Friday.

Goalie Connor Knapp needed only seven saves to shut out UAH over the final two periods, but Blasi emphasized that it took more than good defense.

“You’ve got to play good hockey, period. In all three zones. With or without the puck,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

Today’s game

Who: Alabama-Huntsville (2-27-1) at Miami (16-13-2, 11-11-2-1 CCHA)

When: 7:05 p.m.

TV: ONN

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450)

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