September 24, 2007
Miami Extends Blasi Through 2017
CHN Staff Report
OXFORD, Ohio — Miami has given coach Enrico Blasi a 10-year contract extension, Director of Athletics Brad Bates announced today. Blasi, who begins his ninth year as head coach of the RedHawks, will be under contract through the 2016-17 season.
"We are thrilled to be able to announce that Rico Blasi will be leading our program for many years to come," said Bates. "His student-athletes graduate, they compete for conference and national championships, are catalysts for building community, and excel in their diverse endeavors. This contract clearly represents a commitment from Miami to Rico, and, equally as important, a commitment from Rico to his alma mater."
A 1994 graduate of Miami University, Blasi took over the reins at his alma mater in 1999 as the youngest head coach in Division I college hockey.
Entering the 2007-08 season, Blasi has compiled a record of 154-130-27, and has made the NCAA Tournament three different times. Last year's team was 24-14-4 overall and won the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament game.
The RedHawks rose to a No. 1 national ranking during the 2005-06 season, the first time that any Miami team has achieved that standing. That squad also won the CCHA regular-season title with a 20-6-2 league record, and Blasi earned National Coach of the Year honors. He has been selected CCHA Coach of the Year three times — 2000-01, 2003-04 and 2005-06.
This year's team, which features 21 returning letter winners, is expected to challenge for both CCHA and national championship honors in 2007-08.
"I want to thank President Hodge and Brad Bates for the opportunity to be at Miami," said Blasi. "It's a place that we love. Our program is at a point where we can take some big steps, not only in our league but also nationally. We are appreciative of the people who have helped us over the years, and we owe them a great deal of gratitude. We'll do all we can to make sure that the program progresses in a positive manner."
Miami president David Hodge said, "We are excited that Coach Blasi has made such a long-term commitment to Miami University. He and his ice hockey teams have contributed greatly to our student body and fans for the past eight seasons, and we look forward to the exciting moments that they are certain to generate over the coming years. Coach Blasi takes great pride in being a Miamian, and we are equally proud that he has chosen to remain a part of Miami University's family."
Mr. Spencer Penrose 2006 earned every bit of this extension. If Chris Bergeron and Jeff Blashill stay in Oxford, this team could regularly dominate the CCHA inside of 3 years.
Sep 24 2007, 10:54 pm by Oxford (if you couldn\'t guess by the comments)
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