April 11, 2008

DENVER - It was an evening of joy and disappointment for Miami University's hockey program Friday night, as awards were announced at the Frozen Four in Denver, Colorado.

The uplifting news was the announcement by the American Hockey Coaches Association that RedHawk players Ryan Jones and Alec Martinez were named to the AHCA West All-America team. Jones, a forward, was a First-Team selection and Martinez, a defenseman, earned Second-Team honors.

The sad news was that Jones's aspirations for the Hobey Baker Award were dashed when Michigan's Kevin Porter was presented that prestigious prize over Jones and Boston College's Nathan Gerbe.

Coach Rico Blasi praised Jones for his contributions to Miami's program.

"Kevin Porter of Michigan had a tremendous year and is well deserving of the 2008 Hobey Baker award," said Blasi. "Even though Ryan did not win the award, the college hockey community knows how much he has meant to the game of college hockey and Miami University. His desire to become the best and his ability to lead on and off the ice is something that will help Ryan in his goal of playing in the National Hockey League."

Joining Jones and Porter on the West All-America First-Team squad were Colorado College goaltender Richard Bachman, CC defenseman Jack Hillen, Alaska defenseman Tyler Eckford, and North Dakota forward T.J. Oshie.

"Our program only has a handful of First-Team All-Americans in its 30-year history," said Blasi, "and this recognition of Ryan puts him some elite company of Miami hockey players. A true leader on and off the ice, Ryan has shaped what it means to be part of the Miami Hockey Brotherhood.

Miami's Martinez was one of three CCHA stars named to the West's Second-Team unit. Michigan State goaltender Jeff Lerg and Michigan forward Chad Kolarik also were honored.

"Alec has proven himself over this past year to be a top defensemen in the country and this award certainly recognizes that," said Blasi. "We look forward to continued success on the ice and also developing into a leadership role with our program."

Blasi's RedHawk ice hockey team ended the 2007-08 with the school's best record ever, 33-8-1.

--www.MURedHawks.com--