Anthony Noreen remains confident after Miami’s tough weekend at Western Michigan – Hockey Writers – College Hockey
Many Miami Redhawks got their first taste of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) this past weekend, and it didn’t go as planned. Miami (7-3-0) was swept by the Western Michigan Broncos, falling 5-2 on Friday and 6-2 on Saturday. The broncos were spoiling everywhere: special teams, defense, defense, goalteanting, and show.
Related: Western Michigan ends sweep with 6-2 win over Miami
This was Miami’s first road test of the season in a building where they’ve struggled for years, and it showed with a roster that lacked experience. With 21 new players, including 12 freshmen and several transfers still adjusting to the pace of the NCHC, the challenge was great.
Lawson Arena was the most beautiful and hostile place Miami has played this season. The “Lawson Lunatics” were in full force, and from my position in the news box above the student section, you could feel that the energy had changed every time Miami turned to social. The Redhawks spent a lot of time in the box over the weekend, finishing the weekend with 15 penalties in 41 minutes.
I caught up with head coach Anthony Noreen after Saturday’s series. He had a lot to say about the team’s struggles, what they will really take into the weekend, and how a young team learns from an opponent like Western Michigan.
The Redhawks chased down the game of the night
The biggest problem in these two games was the amount of time Miami spent on defense. The Redhawks were outscored 91 to 38 on the weekend, while Western Michigan dominated possession from start to finish. On Saturday night, Western Michigan was outshot 39 to five through two periods, which is a shocking number. However, Miami chased this game night after night, struggled with turnovers, and suffered a lot with a defense that turned into goals, a lot of turnovers and turnovers and turnovers and turnovers.
When Miami was able to clear the zone and get looks, Western Michigan took those chances quickly. They blocked shots, blocked passing lanes, and cleared the puck before Miami could build anything. Defending Norwegian Champion GoalTender Hampton Slukynsksky came up with several big saves as well, which stopped any momentum Miami tried to generate.
Western Michigan won most of the 50-50 battles and dictated the pace. Maimi’s Matteo Drobac faced all 91 shots that came to the net and allowed 11 goals. He was solidly strong but struggled with shooting from the outside and back, as Western Michigan used traffic and screens up front to make his job difficult.
Noren said post-game that Western Michigan was able to limit Miami’s shots on goal by keeping the puck in the offensive zone.
“Spending time in the offensive zone, that’s the answer. The best defense is the best offense. When you’re able to keep up with the offense, now, that can handle you.
Faceffs ended up being good even on Saturday (45.5%), but not on Friday (32%). It didn’t matter, given that Miami wasted the time wasted.
Miami’s goals on the weekend came from Ilia Morozov (twice), Vladislav Lukashevich, and Michael Quinn. Lukashevich continued to log heavy minutes and led Miami with 24:30 of ice time on Saturday.
The redhawks Special groups Fish and fines
Special teams struggle to play a bigger role on depth. Miami finished 1-11 on the power play and missed several big opportunities, including the biggest one on Friday when they produced one on goal and failed to extend their 1-0 lead. Western Michigan’s Pustory Pustory Kill went 10-for-11 on the week, staying strong and aggressive.
Miami’s penalty kill was solid, finishing 10 of 12 and going five perfect for the fifth time on Saturday, but the penalties themselves were controversial. Sticking because of momerem reduced the pressure and forced miami to defend more than it already was. The NCHC’s standings are cracking down on current catches this season, and Miami has struggled with that at times, especially in their opener against Ferris State and the loss to Arizona State.
Noren said Friday’s fines hurt the most.
“Last night (Friday), what we didn’t do were some of the stick penalties. I thought we did a better job of that. And I think special battles,” he said.
He also added that the power play is still getting chemistry.
“Our reps were good. We have two completely new units that can still be used with each other,” he explained. “That’s not an excuse; This is the truth. We will continue to grow continuously by iterating and allowing our consensus and our practices to lead to our creation and application of our ability.”
Despite the mixed score, Noren praised the third-time effort on Saturday: “There is still little faith in this team.” At that time you get a chance, but you have to keep working. “
Noren also stressed that the weekend was an opportunity to study a small list.
“Every time we take the ice with this team it’s a teaching moment. We’re very far from the beginning stages of this thing, and we have to use every opportunity to learn, and why they were able to do what they did last year, and why that team is like that,” Jesus said.
Noreen also said there are things Miami will remember about returning later this season (Feb. 6-7).
“It’s a 6-2 game, and their first play comes off the ice with two minutes left. Those are the things you remember. We’re going to play these guys well. It’s the most important thing.”
He is looking forward to St. Cloud State
Miami now sits in last place in the NCHC with three points and a 1-30 conference record. St. Cloud State is just a few points ahead of them entering the weekend, making this series a prime opportunity for the standings.
The redhawks will look to take lessons from western michigan, be confident on defense, clean up stick penalties, and find consistency on special teams as they continue to navigate a strong league in college hockey.
