The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Miami goalie wants shot at redemption vs. Lakers

Knapp pulled from game last time he played against Lake Superior.

Reds hit 3 homers in big win over Rockies
5/27/12
Miami baseball ends with loss
5/27/12
Ask Hal: Imitation of others just part of the game
5/27/12
Trotwood's McCray gets OSU offer despite Michigan commit
5/27/12
Commentary: Hang in there, soccer parents
5/27/12
> More sports headlines

2:02 AM Friday, January 13, 2012

By Pete Conrad

Staff Writer

OXFORD — It was 2½ months ago that the tough times began for Connor Knapp.

Miami University’s senior goalie allowed four goals and was pulled midway through the second half of a 5-3 loss to the Lake Superior State Lakers. He started just two of the next 12 games for the RedHawks, who were swept that weekend.

“Obviously you get down a little bit,” Knapp said. “But I knew, like in years past, I would get my shot, and I had to be ready when that time came. I think I did a good job of staying positive and trying to be a good teammate.”

Last week, Knapp got his shot alright, starting back-to-back games in the same weekend for the first time since his freshman season.

The results were remarkable.

Knapp was named National Player of the Week by Inside College Hockey after stopping 53-of-54 shots when the RedHawks’ swept Michigan State 2-1 in overtime and 4-0.

Tonight, Knapp —perhaps — and a Miami team that has gone 9-3-2 over its last 14 games will get another crack at Lake Superior State.

Coach Enrico Blasi has no intention of committing to either Knapp or Cody Reichard as his starting goalie in Miami’s next game, national award or no national award.

“We’ve told both goalies the week of practice will determine who plays Friday and Friday’s game will determine who plays Saturday,” Blasi said, “and it’ll be that way for the rest of the year.”

Knapp stopped all 22 shots during the Spartans’ 13 power plays last Friday and Saturday.

The shutout was the ninth of his career, and his 36 career wins has moved Knapp into a fifth-place tie in program history with Mark Michaud (1988-92). It’s quite an achievement considering Knapp is in his fourth year of sharing playing time with Reichard, who is third with 50 career wins.

“I trained really hard over the break,” Knapp said. “I just went with playing my best last Friday night and whatever happened, happened, and I always trust coach to make the right decision (about who starts the following game).

“Lake State’s a great team,” he added. “They gave us a go when they came here; took two wins from us. We’re excited about (facing) another tough opponent.”

Weekend series

Who: Miami RedHawks (11-9-2, 7-7-2-1 CCHA) at No. 19 Lake Superior State Lakers (12-9-3, 7-7-2-2 CCHA)

When: 7:35 p.m. today; 7:05 p.m. Saturday

Where: Taffy Abel Arena (4,000), Sault Ste. Marie

TV: None

Radio: WKBV-AM (1490) today only

Share this article