Maryland Heights, MO – The Miami University RedHawks continued their undefeated start to the season, securing a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Lindenwood Lions on Saturday night at the Centene Community Ice Center. This win marks Miami's sixth straight to begin the season.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, featuring multiple lead changes and high intensity. Miami drew first blood when Ryan Smith scored a long-range goal, assisted by Maximillion Helgeson and Vladislav Lukashevich. Lindenwood responded swiftly, with Louis-Philippe Fontaine equalizing just 25 seconds later. Smith then scored again early in the second period, giving Miami a 2-1 lead. However, the Lions roared back with two goals from Olivier Houde, giving them a 3-2 advantage. Miami then answered with goals from Helgeson and Justin Stupka to retake the lead 4-3. Lindenwood's Adam Raesler then scored to tie the game at 4-4.
Neither team was able to break the deadlock in the third period, despite Lindenwood outshooting Miami 14-6. The game then went into overtime for the second consecutive night. Just 3:28 into the extra period, Ilia Morozov passed the puck to Smith, who scored the game-winning goal, completing his hat trick.
Smith's hat trick was the first by a RedHawk since December 9, 2022. He also added an assist for a game-high four points. This back-to-back overtime victory is a first in Miami's program history. Goaltender Matteo Drobac earned his sixth straight win, saving a career-high 33 shots.
For Lindenwood, Houde's two goals marked the first multi-goal game of his career. The loss marks the second consecutive overtime defeat for the Lions.
Several RedHawks extended their point streaks. Delic has a six-game point streak to start the season, while Grimes, Lukashevich, and Morozov each have a four-game point streak. Lukashevich recorded his second multi-point game of the weekend.
The RedHawks are back in action on October 31, 2025, against Ferris State University. Lindenwood will also play Ferris State University on October 31, 2025.
