Miami University Hockey: A Tradition of Excellence

Miami University, nestled in Oxford, Ohio, boasts a rich history interwoven with traditions that foster a strong sense of community. Among its many celebrated programs, the Miami RedHawks men's ice hockey team stands out, embodying a legacy of athletic achievement and unwavering spirit. From its humble beginnings to national prominence, Miami Hockey has carved a unique place in the university's story.

Origins and Early Years

Miami University added hockey to its varsity sports lineup in 1978, guided by the vision of its first coach, Steve Cady. The team found its home at the Goggin Ice Arena, where they would begin to build a foundation for future success. While initial success was elusive, the 1992-93 season marked a turning point. Under the leadership of head coach George Gwozdecky, the RedHawks achieved a remarkable 22-3-5 record, capturing the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regular season title. This historic year culminated in the program's first-ever bid to the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. Key players like Chris Bergeron, Brian Savage, Bobby Marshall, and Richard Shulmistra led the charge, setting the stage for a new era of Miami Hockey.

The Blasi Era: Building a Brotherhood

Following Mark Mazzoleni's departure in 1999, Enrico Blasi, a former Miami player and assistant coach at Denver, returned to his alma mater to lead the RedHawks. Blasi instilled a culture of camaraderie and discipline, establishing what he called "The Brotherhood." His efforts paid off as the 2003-04 team, with a 23-14-4 record, earned a spot in the 2004 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. Although they lost to eventual national champions Denver in the regional semi-final, this marked the beginning of a sustained period of success.

A Streak of NCAA Tournament Appearances

From 2006 to 2013, Miami embarked on an impressive streak of eight consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. The 2005-06 team, powered by All-American Andy Greene and the outstanding goaltending of Jeff Zatkoff and Charlie Effinger, finished with a 26-9-4 record. The following year, the team inaugurated the new Goggin Ice Center and secured their first NCAA tournament victory, defeating top-seeded New Hampshire. The team was led by 2nd-Team All-American Nathan Davis. In 2008, the RedHawks achieved a stellar 33-8-1 record, advancing to the NCAA Tournament and defeating Air Force in overtime.

The 2009 Frozen Four Run

The 2009 season was a watershed moment for Miami Hockey. The RedHawks made their first-ever appearance in the Frozen Four, the pinnacle of college hockey. After finishing the regular season with a 23-13-5 record, they entered the NCAA Tournament as a 4-seed. Victories over Denver and Minnesota-Duluth propelled them to Washington, D.C., where they defeated Bemidji State in the national semifinal. In a heart-stopping championship game against Boston University, the RedHawks fell short in overtime after the Terriers tied the game with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation.

Read also: A Colorful Legacy: Miami Football

Tragedy and Inspiration

Tragedy struck the program in February 2010 with the death of student hockey manager Brendan Burke, son of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. Brendan had become an advocate for LGBT awareness, and his passing inspired the Burke family to create the You Can Play campaign, dedicated to promoting inclusivity in sports. The team rallied in the wake of the tragedy, using it as motivation on the ice. The 2009-10 squad once again reached the Frozen Four, but lost to Boston College in the semi-finals.

Continued Success and the Mason Cup

The RedHawks continued their winning ways, finishing the 2010-11 regular season ranked third in the CCHA. They swept Alaska in the second round of the 2011 CCHA Tournament and then beat Notre Dame and Western Michigan to claim their first Mason Cup. As a #1 seed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, they advanced to the Northeast Regional. The 2011-12 season saw another return to the CCHA Semifinals and a seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Transition to the NCHC and Recent Challenges

In 2013, Miami joined the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). In their second season in the conference, the RedHawks finished with a 25-14-1 record and won the NCHC post-season tournament title. However, the Brotherhood began to fracture, and Enrico Blasi was dismissed at the end of the 2018-19 season. Chris Bergeron, a former RedHawk and assistant coach, took over the program, but struggled to replicate past success. On March 19, 2024, it was announced that Bergeron would be relieved of his duties.

Traditions and Legacy

Traditions hold a special place at Miami University, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. The RedHawks hockey program is no exception, with its own set of customs and symbols that connect players, coaches, and fans across generations.

The "Cradle of Coaches"

Miami University is renowned as the "Cradle of Coaches," having launched the careers of numerous successful football coaches, including Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and Paul Brown. This legacy of coaching excellence extends to the hockey program, with many former players and coaches going on to achieve success in the sport.

Miami Mergers

Perhaps the university's most well-known tradition, "Miami Mergers" refers to Miami students who marry other Miami students. This tradition speaks to the strong bonds formed on campus, including within the hockey program.

The Goggin Ice Center

The Goggin Ice Center, with its two NHL-sized ice rinks, serves as the heart of Miami Hockey. The state-of-the-art facility provides a first-class environment for training, competition, and community engagement.

The Brotherhood

Enrico Blasi's emphasis on "The Brotherhood" created a strong sense of unity and shared purpose within the team. This culture of camaraderie and support continues to resonate with current and former players.

Notable Achievements

Throughout its history, Miami Hockey has achieved numerous milestones and produced many outstanding players. Some notable achievements include:

First NCAA Tournament appearance in 1993
Eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2006-2013)
First Frozen Four appearance in 2009
First Mason Cup in 2011
Numerous CCHA regular season and tournament titles
Multiple All-Americans and professional players

Looking Ahead

Miami University Hockey has a proud history and a passionate fan base. While the program has faced recent challenges, the foundation for future success remains strong. With a renewed commitment to excellence and a focus on building a winning culture, the RedHawks are poised to reclaim their place among the nation's elite college hockey programs.

Appendix: Miami Hockey Facts and Figures

Most goals in a game: Rick Kuraly, 5 (2/20/81 vs. Bowling Green)
Most points in a game: Gary Delonge, 8 (2/24/79 vs. Ohio University)
Most saves in a game: Lee Cannon, 57 (11/18/89 vs. Lake Superior State)
Most goals in a game: 19 (2/23/80 vs. Ohio University)
Most goals in a period: 9 (11/18/78 vs. Kent State)

Other Miami University Traditions

Traditions are an important part of life at Miami, and learning what makes Miami unique helps new students gain a sense of belonging in the campus community.

Rub the Turtle Heads

Behind Warfield and MacMillan Halls in Quad Central, you'll find the Tri-Delt Sundial, a gift from Delta Delta Delta sorority. It is a Miami tradition to rub the turtle heads of the sundial for good luck.

The Great Seal at the Hub

The University Seal is embedded in the center of campus, also known as "The Hub." It is Miami's tradition to avoid stepping on the seal out of respect for the university's history and values.

Helen Peabody

In the nineteenth century, Helen Peabody was always protective of her students and suspicious of men who wandered onto the Western campus. Some say she still roams the halls.

Upham Arch

The Upham Arch is arguably the most famous legend alongside the Miami Merger tradition. It is said that if you walk under the arch with someone, you are destined to marry.

Broomball

At Miami, there are over 100 broomball teams registered over the three sessions offered. Broomball allows students to take part in different levels of competition depending on personal skill, from first-year players to experienced veterans. It’s easy to learn, cheap to play, and a great way to make friends.

Don't Split the Group

Miami University is known for having a beautiful campus with many different kinds of trees spread throughout. If you’re walking with a group of friends on campus and the group passes a tree, everyone must pass on the same side.

Tuffy's Toasted Rolls

In 1929, Myrion Timothy “Tuffy” Potter” opened his own business, Tuffy’s Sandwich Shop, which was a popular campus gathering spot for generations of Miami students until it closed in 1973. The standard fare included Coke, coffee, hamburgers, ice cream, and Tuffy’s specialty: Toasted Rolls.

Charter Day Ball

A formal affair, the Charter Day Ball takes place once every three years to celebrate the chartering of Miami on February 17, 1809. This event has been a tradition at the university for the past 60 years and brings together students, faculty, alumni, and the entire Oxford community.

Battle of the Bricks

The Battle of the Bricks is an annual all-sports series between the Ohio University Bobcats and the Miami University RedHawks.

Greek Life

For 175 years, fraternities and sororities at Miami University have contributed to campus tradition, success, and pride.

Miami University's commitment to athletic excellence extends beyond hockey, with a diverse range of intercollegiate sports programs. As a member of the NCAA Division I, Miami competes in various conferences, including the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), and the NCHC for ice hockey. The university's athletic facilities, such as Yager Stadium for football, Millett Hall for basketball, and Stanley G. McKie Field at Joseph P. Hayden Jr. Field for baseball, provide top-notch venues for competition and training. Miami also boasts a range of club sports, including hockey, figure skating, water ski, lacrosse, rugby, and boxing, offering students opportunities to participate in athletics at various levels.

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