Riley Barber attacks Buckeyes’ goal. (Miami University Athletics).
Caps sixth-round draft pick Riley Barber has continued the same strong play that earned him a spot on the 2013 USA WJC team. As part of Miami (OH) University, Barber beat intrastate rival Ohio State, securing victory in the CCHA regular season. In the last game of the season, Barber scored a goal and assisted another, endangering the Buckeyes’ net each time he and linemates Austin Czarnik and Curtis McKenzie hit the ice.
Take a look at Barber’s highlights and stats after the jump.
Barber’s aggressiveness and hard skating wreaked havoc on the Ohio State defense. He leveled a few big hits, one of which, on Sam Jardin in the first period, was deemed illegal. I think it was a great play that wouldn’t have been called in the NHL.
Time Warner Sports video
But the biggest highlight of Barber’s night– if not his whole season– came in the second period. The Livonia-native took a drop pass from Czarnik, easily beat the defense, then deked the goaltender.
Time Warner Sports video
Winning the CCHA regular season is a big deal as the league will disband after this season. From the beginning of the 2013-14 season, Miami and Western Michigan will join newly-founded NCHC; Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State will play in the Big Ten’s new hockey program; Notre Dame will be moving to Hockey East; Alaska-Fairbanks, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior, and Northern Michigan will join the WCHA.
Barber’s 15 goals and 36 got him on the NCAA leaderboards. He led his team in goals and points, was tied for seventh in goals, and fifth in points among drafted players. Among all freshmen, he tied for second in goals and led in points.
Redhawks celebrate the big win. Barber is the closest to the camera. (Miami University Athletics).
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