Miami University RedHawks (7-3-0, 1-3-0 NCHC) are set to face off against the St. Cloud State Huskies (6-6-0, 1-3-0 NCHC) in a National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) series at Steve "Coach" Cady Arena this weekend. Both teams are looking to improve their standing in the NCHC, making this an important series early in the conference play. Here are three keys for Miami to achieve success against St. Cloud State:
1. Stay Out of the Box
Discipline will be paramount for the RedHawks in this series. Miami took 15 penalties for 41 minutes in their previous series against Western Michigan. While their penalty kill was relatively successful, giving St. Cloud State that many power play opportunities could be detrimental. The Huskies boast a potent power play, converting on 32.7% of their opportunities this season, with 18 goals on 55 attempts. Austin Burnevik leads St. Cloud State with six power-play goals, while Tyson Gross and Barret Hall each have three. Miami must minimize stick infractions and avoid unnecessary penalties to prevent St. Cloud State from capitalizing on the power play.
2. Neutralize St. Cloud State's Top Scorers
St. Cloud State's offense is led by Austin Burnevik, who has 11 goals and is tied with Tyson Gross for the team lead in points with 15. Former Tri-City Storm forward Nolan Roed, who played under Miami head coach Anthony Noreen in the USHL, centers the Huskies' third line and has eight points. Miami's defensive corps will need to contain these key players and limit their scoring opportunities.
3. Capitalize on Offensive Opportunities
Miami's top line of Kocha Delic (5-7-12), Ilia Morozov (6-5-11), and Matteo Giampa (3-7-10) has been a significant source of offense, with all three producing double-digit points through the first 10 games. Morozov, Ryan Smith (6-2-8), and Maximilion Helgeson (6-2-8) lead the RedHawks in goals with six apiece, while Vladislav Lukashevich (2-9-11) has a team-high nine assists. The RedHawks will need to generate consistent offensive pressure and convert their chances against St. Cloud State's goaltenders, Yan Shostak and Patriks Berzins. Shostak has a 3-4-0 record with a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA) and a .899 save percentage (SV%), while Berzins has a 3-2-0 record with a 2.04 GAA and a .937 SV%.
Miami will also debut their new "Cradle of Coaches" themed uniforms this weekend, honoring the university's rich athletic heritage. The gold accents on the jerseys represent the "gold standard of coaching," while the color black symbolizes the tradition and prestige of Miami's coaching legacy.
