Belfast, Northern Ireland – The Miami RedHawks delivered a dominant performance, shutting out the RIT Tigers 4-0 in the semifinals of the Friendship Four tournament held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The victory propels Miami into the championship game where they will face No. 20 Union for the Belpot Trophy.
Miami, now 9-4-0 overall, showcased a balanced attack with four different players finding the back of the net. Bradley Walker started the scoring early in the first period, just under three minutes into the game, with assists from Ethan Hay and Nicholas Mikan. Mikan's assist marked his first point as a RedHawk. Ilia Morozov extended the lead on a power play later in the first, blasting a shot past RIT's goalie Jakub Krbecek, with Vladislav Lukashevich and David Deputy assisting.
The second period remained scoreless, with Miami successfully killing off two penalties and maintaining their two-goal advantage. RIT pushed back, but Miami's defense, along with key saves from goaltender Matteo Drobac, held firm.
In the final minutes of the third period, Matteo Giampa scored an empty-net goal with just over three minutes remaining to extend the lead to 3-0. Lukashevich earned his second assist of the game, and Kocha Delic also contributed with an assist on the play. Doug Grimes sealed the victory with another empty-net goal, assisted by Casper Nassen and Ryder Thompson.
Matteo Drobac earned his second career shutout, stopping all 23 shots he faced and was recognized as Miami's Player of the Game. Krbecek, in goal for RIT, made 27 saves on 29 shots.
Miami finished the game 1-for-5 on the power play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. They also held a 30-24 advantage in faceoffs.
The RedHawks are participating in their first-ever games outside of the United States at the Friendship Four tournament. This is the first time a team from the NCHC is participating in the event. Miami's opponent in the final, Union, advanced after defeating Sacred Heart 8-1. Union won the Friendship Four in 2018. RIT will play Sacred Heart in the consolation game.
