by The weekend of October 27, Miami University RedHawks clashed with the No. 13 Arizona State University Sun Devils.
The first game on Friday night saw an intense back-and-forth battle that ended in a 5-4 win for the RedHawks. While the second game on Saturday night concluded with a 1-1 deadlock.
On Friday at Goggin Ice Center the night game kicked off with a bang in the first period as Ty Jackson (14) of Arizona State University found the back of the net just 1:10 into the game.
The Sun Devils’ early lead was answered by Miami’s Axel Kumlin (3), who scored at the 10:10 mark, assisted by John Waldron (17) and Matthew Barbolini (29), setting the stage for a highly anticipated night of hockey.
The second period was exhilarating, with both teams fighting for a win, in their undefeated season.
Lukas Sillinger (61) of ASU scored at 4:30, assisted by Dylan Jackson (15) and Ty Jackson (14), regaining the lead for the Sun Devils.
Miami shortly had Kyle Smolen (25) finding the net at 13:27, assisted by Benji Eckerle (11) and Charlie Schoen (82).
ASU extended their lead with a power play goal in the third period, as Alex Young (21) scored at 6:27, assisted by Anthony Dowd (9) and Charlie Schoen (82).
Until Miami’s PJ Fletcher (8) responded with a crucial goal at 7:51 bringing the RedHawks crowd to their feet. .
Miami’s Raimonds Vitolins (6) tied the game with another power-play goal at 14:38, assisted by Matthew Barbolini (29) and John Waldron (17).
The RedHawks completed an impressive comeback in the third period when William Hallén (11) scored at 19:03, assisted by Raimonds Vitolins (6 ) and Matthew Barbolini (29).
The thrilling game headed to overtime, and Miami wasted no time in securing the win, with John Waldron (17) scoring just 21 seconds into the extra period, sealing the 4- 5 win for the RedHawks.
The Goggin Ice Center was buzzing with excitement, and the stage was set for a memorable rematch on Saturday.
In a game characterized by tight defensive play and outstanding goaltending, both teams demonstrated their resilience.
Miami took the lead in the first period at 10:36 when Robby Drazner (7) scored, assisted by PJ Fletcher (8) and Michael Feenstra (4). The Goggin Ice Center erupted with cheers from the home crowd.
Arizona State responded in the second period, with Lukas Sillinger (61) scoring at 2:11. The game was tied at 1-1, and the tension was building.
The third period was marked by a crucial penalty kill by Miami, who found themselves facing a Sun Devil 5-on-3 power play.
The RedHawks’ defense held strong, ensuring the game remained deadlocked at 1-1.
The overtime period saw both teams pushing for a game-winner, but despite promising chances, the five-minute extra session ended without a score.
In the second part of overtime there was no goals made leaving ASU and Miami in their first tie of the season
The RedHawks extended their unbeaten streak to five games, marking their longest streak since the 2016-17 season.
Looking ahead, Miami University’s hockey team is set to begin NCHC (National Collegiate Hockey Conference) next weekend with a trip to St. Cloud State.
The matchup is scheduled for Friday, November 3, with a puck drop at 8:30 p.m. ET in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The RedHawks will be looking to build on their recent success and continue their impressive run in the conference.
Photo credits: Bella Sagarese
