The Miami RedHawks hockey program is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of Head Coach Anthony Noreen, who was appointed on April 1, 2024. After a disappointing 3-28-3 record in the 2024-25 season, Noreen and his staff are focused on rebuilding the team through strategic recruiting and a commitment to fostering a winning culture.
Noreen's arrival signaled a new direction for the RedHawks, who have struggled to reach their former glory in recent years. During Chris Bergeron’s five-year tenure, the team never finished higher than seventh in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). Noreen, a two-time USHL Coach of the Year, brings a wealth of experience from the junior hockey ranks, where he led the Tri-City Storm to consistent success, including two Anderson Cups.
A key aspect of Noreen's strategy is an emphasis on recruiting players who fit the program's new standard, both in terms of skill and character. The coaching staff, including assistant coaches Troy Thibodeau and Zack Cisek, and recruiting coordinator David Nies, have been actively working to identify and bring in talent that can contribute to the team's resurgence. Nies's experience with the US National Team Development Program and his previous collaboration with Noreen at Tri-City Storm make him a valuable asset in this effort.
The RedHawks have announced an 11-player signing class for the 2025-26 season, primarily consisting of players from the United States Hockey League (USHL). These players bring a mix of experience and skill, with some having spent multiple seasons in the USHL and others demonstrating success in their early careers. The team has also been active in the transfer portal, seeking to add veteran players with experience to supplement the roster and provide leadership for the younger players. Last offseason, Noreen brought in Colby Ambrosio, Miami's Hobey Baker nominee from this season, from Boston College as well as Christophe Fillion, a national champion with Quinnipiac University, and Matt Choupani from Northeastern University to spearhead a group of veteran transfers.
The RedHawks' 2025-26 schedule includes 34 regular-season games, highlighted by participation in two holiday tournaments: the Friendship Four in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Great Lakes Invitational in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The team will open its season against Ferris State University on October 3-4. Other non-conference series include road games against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Lindenwood University. Conference play begins with a home series against Arizona State University on Halloween weekend. The schedule also features home series against Colorado College, Minnesota Duluth, Omaha, St. Cloud State, and Western Michigan.
Noreen's coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, discipline, and being great teammates. He aims to create a strong culture within the program, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. While the on-ice results may not have immediately reflected these changes in the 2024-25 season, Noreen remains committed to the long-term process of building a successful program.
The Miami RedHawks face a challenging road ahead, but with a revamped roster, a clear vision, and a dedicated coaching staff, they are striving to restore the program to its former prominence in college hockey.
