Today, Anthony Noreen and the Miami University (OH) RedHawks made two more additions from the transfer portal: forwards Matteo Giampa of Canisius and Doug Grimes of Boston University. The pair brings a mix of skill, experience, and depth that could play a key role in shaping the 2025-26 roster.
A Proven Scorer and Playmaker
Among Miami’s transfer class, so far, Giampa is undoubtedly the biggest pick-up. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 176 pounds, the right winger has established himself as an elite passer and scorer with a knack for creating magic on the rush.
Giampa led Canisius (Atlantic Hockey League) in scoring through both of his collegiate seasons, registering 18 goals and 17 assists (35 points) in 2023-24 and eight goals and 22 assists (30 points) in 2024-25.
His ability to read plays, set up teammates, and find the back of the net makes him a versatile offensive weapon. Beyond even strength, Giampa is also a proven weapon on the power play, adding another dimension to Miami’s offense. His impressive college numbers follow a stellar junior career, including a dominant 92-point campaign (27 goals, 65 assists) with the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) during the 2022-23 season. Giampa’s hockey IQ, skillset, and consistency position him as a game-changing pick-up out of the portal for the RedHawks.
Grimes Brings Some Depth
Grimes, another right winger, complements this duo with size and grit. Towering at 6-foot-3 and weighing 201 pounds, Grimes brings a physical edge to Miami’s lineup. His journey includes a breakout year at Dexter Southfield School (USHS-Prep), where he notched 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) in 2019-20, and a strong showing in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Lincoln Stars. His 2022-23 season as an alternate captain with Lincoln stands out, where he recorded 49 points (24 goals, 25 assists) in 49 games and added nine points in eight playoff games.
While his production at Boston University (Hockey East) was limited, Grimes’ experience as a bottom-six forward on an NCAA Championship finalist team this past season adds valuable insight to what it takes to make a run. He has the makings of a “glue guy”—a player who might not always steal the spotlight but holds the lineup together with his presence. His role as a depth forward could be huge as Miami works to find its chemistry with such a young group.
RedHawks’ Roster Nearly Complete
With Giampa leading the way as Canisius’ top scorer and Grimes providing depth and leadership, Miami’s roster rebuild is nearing completion. The team has now made five additions through the transfer portal, balancing older talent with an incoming class of 17 freshmen. Miami announced another portal addition on Monday: freshman forward Ryan Smith from Quinnipiac University.
Related: Prospect Ryan Smith Transfers From Quinnipiac to Miami
Together, these portal recruits offer skill, experience, and energy as Miami prepares for the 2025-26 campaign.
Filling the Void in Net
With five additions already made via the transfer portal, Miami has significantly bolstered its depth in the forward group. Now, the spotlight turns to one final pressing need: goaltending. The RedHawks face a major gap in net as all three goaltenders from the 2024-25 roster have departed due to transfers or eligibility reasons. Currently, Shika Gadzhiev of the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) is the only netminder in the system. However, the expectation is that Miami will soon act in the portal to fill the gaps.
Anthony Noreen has done an impressive job piecing this program back together on the recruiting front. By blending experienced veterans like Giampa and Grimes with a talented group of freshmen, he’s put together a roster that feels balanced and will be ready to compete.
Related: Artemi Nizameyev – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
All eyes are on the goaltending situation now. Which netminders will Miami bring in to round out the puzzle? That’s the final part to this offseason rebuild, and it’ll be fascinating to see how it all comes together.
