The Miami RedHawks are set to make their first-ever appearance in the prestigious Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) hockey tournament on December 28-29, 2025. The 59th annual tournament, held at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, promises a competitive field, with Michigan Tech, Michigan State, and Ferris State joining the RedHawks in the battle for the MacInnes Cup.
Miami enters the GLI with a 10-6-2 record. The RedHawks are coming off a series of home ties against Colorado College in mid-December. Miami is currently undefeated in non-conference play.
The RedHawks will face a tough challenge in their opening game against the host, Michigan Tech Huskies, on Sunday, December 28, at 3:30 p.m. EST. Michigan Tech also holds a 10-6-2 record. The winner of this match will advance to the GLI Championship game on Monday, December 29, at 7 p.m. EST. The losing team will compete in the Third Place game earlier that day at 3:30 p.m. EST. In the other semifinal match, Michigan State will face off against Ferris State.
This year marks Miami's debut in the GLI. Michigan Tech has a strong history in the tournament, with 12 titles in 58 appearances, last winning in 2023. Michigan State is the defending champion, boasting 13 GLI titles in 50 tournaments. Ferris State is making their fifth appearance.
Offensively, the RedHawks have been strong this season, averaging 3.5 goals per game, which puts them in the top tier of Division I programs. Forward Matteo Giampa leads the team with 19 points, accumulated through nine goals and ten assists. Giampa also boasts four game-winning goals and two power-play goals. Vladislav Lukashevich, a defenseman, leads the team in assists with 12 and logs the most ice time per game, averaging 22:20. Matteo Drobac has been the mainstay in goal, playing every minute and compiling a 10-6-2 record.
Miami head coach Anthony Noreen acknowledged the significant changes to the team's roster, with 21 new faces joining the program. The team's roster includes 28 players, with 16 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 3 goalies.
For fans unable to attend the tournament in person, all GLI games will be available via free stream at UpperMichigansSource.com and on the WLUC TV6/FoxUP Roku app. Audio coverage will also be available on MiamiRedHawks.com.
The RedHawks' first-round matchup against Michigan Tech marks only the seventh time these teams have met. Miami is 3-3 all-time versus Michigan Tech. The last contest was in 1984, which saw the Huskies victorious.
