Anthony Noreen and the University of Miami (OH) Redhawks continued their freshman season with Ryan Smith, another member of the transfer portal (Forward Ryan Smith), playing freshman at Quinnipiac University.
The 5-foot-9 striker is known for his unremitting defensive efforts, physical form and two-way game style. Smith joined the Redhawks with experiences from the NCAA and the USHL, bringing some resilience to an increasing number of rosters. His arrival reunited him with head coach Anthony Noreen, who previously played two seasons in the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, which brought a layer of familiarity to his transition.
Familiar faces return to Norene’s system
Smith’s connection to Noreen can be traced back to his time in the Tri-City Storm, where he spent two seasons under the coach’s guidance. He saw him compete in 32 games in his first full USHL season in 2022-23, scoring five goals and six assists while acclimating to junior hockey pace and physical form. By the following year, he had grown into a more important role, scoring 24 goals and 14 assists in 60 games and scoring two points in six Clark Cup playoffs. His ability to play responsible defensive games in offensive play makes him an interesting prospect for Quinnipiac, thus playing his promise ahead of the 2024-25 NCAA season.
However, Smith’s transition to college hockey brought some growing pains. He scored only five points (2 goals, three assists) in 34 games with Quinnipiac, but his guard check is still strong. His ability to destroy game, win board battles and shut down opponents’ stormtroopers helps his role in the team. Experience playing in ECAC (a highly competitive meeting) helped him strengthen his defensive performance against senior college talent. His season ended in the Allentown Regional semifinals, with Quinnipiac defeating Uconn Huskies 4-1, giving Smith its first NCAA playoff competition.
Smith’s Journey
Born on October 3, 2005 in Pendleton, New York, USA, Smith developed his own game through the Buffalo Jr. Sabers program, going through many youth levels before jumping into teen hockey. He was captain of the 14U AAA team in Buffalo Sabos in 2019-20 and appeared very early.
Over the next few seasons, Smith continued to perfect his game, playing in U15 and U16 levels in multiple leagues, including the Level 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL). His physical and defensive consciousness stood out, earning him a spot in the USHL in the storm of the 2021-22 season, where he was selected as No. 49 in the USHL futures draft. Although he appeared in only one game after the season, he quickly became an influencer in the following year’s roster, thus steadily improving his role and output.
Defensive edge with physical advantage
Smith’s influence goes beyond offensive numbers because his relentless defensive performance is his decisive trait. He is good at closing the gap in hockey carriers, using fast footwork and positioning to break up before scoring opportunities. His ability to achieve hard work, power shifts put opponents into errors, helping his team regain possession. On the board, he thrived, using his power to win hockey battles, which the young Red Hawks roster needed.
His stick job is another weapon that allows him to interrupt the lane, lift the stick and prevent clean area entries. As a right-shooting winger, he fits well into Miami’s offensive pre-censorship system, bringing an energy-forward mentality that can impact games in all three areas.
What does this mean for the Red Hawks
Miami is preparing for the big season of the 2025-26 season, with 17 players coming to the forefront will reshape the roster. Smith’s transfer offers something that young Miami players don’t have – a college experience. Top recruits from the USHL, the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), including forward Artemi Nizameyev, forward Kocha Delic and Defenseman Ryder Thompson, Smith’s appearance will help transition to NCAA games. As Miami incorporates a new talent eager to make an impact, his ability to play structured, defensive games will be crucial.
Related: Kocha Delic – 2022 NHL Prospect Prospect Prospect Profile
With this move, Miami almost added it on defense and frontline, shifting the focus to the final major demand (goal). All three networks in the 2024-25 lineup disappeared due to transfer or qualification reasons, which has caused the Red Hawks to find two goalkeepers to round up their roster. As of now, Shika Gadzhiev of Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) is the only goalkeeper in the system, but that has not been the case for a long time. Expect Miami to take action as soon as possible to ensure stability between pipelines entering next season, which could be in the transfer portal.
Additionally, Smith will enter the NCHC, widely regarded as the toughest meeting in college hockey. The transition from ECAC to NCHC presents another challenge, but his experience competing in higher NCAA meetings should allow him to adjust quickly.
As Miami continues to rebuild its program under Noreen’s leadership, and complements those who understand his coaching philosophy are a great move for the coaching staff. Smith’s familiarity with his former USHL coach ensures a smoother transition, and he should effortlessly adapt to Miami’s system and expectations.
Smith is Miami’s third transfer, joining defender Kyle Aucoin (Harvard) and forward Max Max Helgeson (UAA Seawolves) as key portal pickups as April 21. Together, these acquisitions enhance Miami’s depth and add experienced players who can provide stability in freshman classes.
Looking to the future By autumn
Smith’s transfer to Miami gave him a chance to play a bigger role at the NCAA level. Whether he focuses primarily on his ability to close or finds opportunities to contribute with offensively, his tenacious, hard-working approach will surely impress in the upcoming season.
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