Jan. 27, 2009

Since first coming to Miami head coach Enrico Blasi has instilled a feeling of "Brotherhood" with his players and success has been apparent.

Miami hockey is better than it has ever been with a top level facility in Steve Cady Arena and currently has more win and a better winning percentage than any division I hockey program since 2005-06. During that period Miami has seen some of its best talent in players like Ryan Jones, Nathan Davis, Jeff Zatkoff and Andy Greene. All of these players have been drawn to a small town in southwestern Ohio to play hockey not with a team but with a "Brotherhood".

"The brotherhood is the major reason I came back," Jones told USA Today a season ago. "I just couldn't walk away from another season with my teammates and the chance to win a national championship."

Miami did not come away with a national title but did post a school record for wins with 33 and record the highest winning percentage in school history. Miami was also ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation for 10 weeks and received a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

In the Miami locker room in a simple frame sits the code of the "Brotherhood", it is something that every player read and that every player, coach and member of the hockey staff must understand. There is more to Miami and to being a member of Miami hockey then what is done as a player.

This is something that Blasi believes and it is embodied in everything he does.

"It is not always about recruiting the best player," Blasi said. "It is about recruiting and getting the best people to fit our culture."

Nothing could sum the Brotherhood up better then the final line on that piece of paper that hangs in the Miami locker room.

"As brothers, we share a lifetime bond that I will cherish forever.  And as your brother, I know that I am a champion!"