Miami University Hockey Hosts Robert Morris in Home Opener
- The Miami University hockey team hosts Robert Morris University at 7:05 p.m.
- Miami opened its campaign with two games against the Northern Michigan University Wildcats on Oct.
- Sophomore forward Austin Baker netted his first college goal and added an assist during the bounce-back win.
The Miami University hockey team hosts Robert Morris University at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Goggin Ice Center for its first home game of the season, miamistudent.net reported.
Opening Weekend Split Sets Up Home Debut
Miami opened its campaign with two games against the Northern Michigan University Wildcats on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. The RedHawks suffered a 3-0 defeat in the season opener before bouncing back with a 4-1 victory the following day.
Sophomore forward Austin Baker netted his first college goal and added an assist during the bounce-back win. Baker transferred from Michigan State University in the offseason after appearing in just 14 games.
It was a sigh of relief, honestly, to get that first goal. Just being able to play and be able to play my game. I was super excited.
BREAKING: Robert Morris transfer PF DeSean Goode has committed to Miami, he announced🙌https://t.co/u737Hlh8EZ pic.twitter.com/Pnx6lGJqPD
Austin Baker
First-year forward Matouš KucharcĂk also contributed a goal and an assist against Northern Michigan. Head coach Anthony Noreen praised the Czech Republic native’s impact.
You watch that game Saturday night, it doesn’t take an expert to figure out that there’s a lot there. It’s not just his skill level and his brain, it’s his competitiveness. He makes the second goal happen because he is just determined to win.
Anthony Noreen
Senior forward Matteo Giampa and sophomore forward Bradley Walker also scored late goals to secure the weekend split. Junior goaltender Matteo Drobac stopped 18 shots across the two contests after starting all but one game last year and earning a nomination for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Goaltender of the Year award.
Historical Matchup and Robert Morris Resurgence
Thursday’s game marks the 10th meeting between Miami and Robert Morris. The Colonials have won each of the last five matchups, including 1-4 and 1-5 losses for Miami when the teams last met two seasons ago.
Robert Morris enters the contest following a competitive pair of losses against No. 6 Wisconsin, dropping matches by scores of 4-2 and 1-0. Junior defender Dominic Elliott and senior forward George Krotiris scored for the Colonials in those openers.
The Colonials finished last season with a 16-21-4 record, marking their best campaign since the 2020-21 season. The program is currently in its 21st year under head coach Derek Schooley. The university announced the program would be shut down in 2021 due to financial issues before the board of trustees reinstated the team for the 2023-24 season.
Robert Morris must replace top scorer Tanner Klimpke, who transferred to the University of Maine. However, the team returns senior forward Jackson Reineke, who recorded 11 goals and 15 assists last year. Sophomore goalkeeper Charlie Schenkel, who set a program record with 60 saves against the Air Force Academy last season, anchors the defense.
Streak Implications and Upcoming Travel
The RedHawks finished last season with an 18-16-2 record, posting a 7-5-2 mark at Goggin Ice Center. Miami aims to secure a victory in its home opener for the fourth consecutive season.
Following the Thursday night contest in Oxford, the two teams will travel to Moon Township, Pennsylvania. They meet for the second game of the home-and-home series at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.