Anthony Noreen and the Miami University (OH) RedHawks continue to build their 2025-26 roster with another addition from the transfer portal—forward Ryan Smith, who played his freshman season at Quinnipiac University.
The 5-foot-9 forward is known for giving relentless defensive effort, physical presence, and a two-way playing style. Smith joins the RedHawks with both NCAA and United States Hockey League (USHL) experience, bringing some toughness to a growing roster. His arrival reunites him with head coach Anthony Noreen, whom he previously played under with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL for two seasons, bringing a layer of familiarity to his transition.
A Familiar Face Returns to Noreen’s System
Smith’s connection to Noreen dates back to his time with the Tri-City Storm, where he spent two seasons developing under his coach’s guidance. His first full USHL season in 2022-23 saw him appear in 32 games, scoring five goals and six assists while adjusting to the pace and physicality of junior hockey. By the following year, he had grown into a more prominent role, posting 24 goals and 14 assists across 60 games, along with two points in six Clark Cup Playoff appearances. His ability to play a responsible defensive game while chipping in offensively made him an intriguing prospect for Quinnipiac, leading to his commitment ahead of the 2024-25 NCAA season.
Smith’s transition to college hockey came with some growing pains, though. Over 34 games at Quinnipiac, he managed just five points (two goals, three assists), but his back-checking remained a strong suit. His ability to disrupt plays, win battles along the boards, and shut down opposing rushes contributed to his role on the team. The experience of playing in the ECAC, a highly competitive conference, helped him sharpen his defensive play against high-level collegiate talent. His season concluded in the Allentown Regional Semifinals, where Quinnipiac fell 4-1 to the UConn Huskies, giving Smith his first taste of NCAA postseason competition.
Smith’s Journey
Born on Oct. 3, 2005, in Pendleton, NY, USA, Smith developed his game through the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program, progressing through many youth levels before making the jump to junior hockey. His leadership skills emerged early, as he served as captain of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres 14U AAA team in 2019-20.
Over the next few seasons, Smith continued to refine his game, competing at the U15 and U16 levels in multiple leagues, including the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL). His physicality and defensive awareness stood out, traits that earned him a spot in the USHL with the Storm in the 2021-22 season, where he was drafted 49th overall in the USHL Futures Draft. Though he appeared in only one game near the end of the season, he quickly became an impact player in the lineup the following year, steadily increasing his role and production.
A Defensive-Minded Winger With a Physical Edge
Smith’s impact goes beyond offensive numbers, as his relentless defensive play is his defining characteristic. He excels at closing gaps on puck carriers, using quick footwork and positioning to break up plays before they become scoring chances. His ability to deliver hard, momentum-shifting hits forces opponents into mistakes, helping his team regain possession. Along the boards, he thrives, using his strength to win puck battles, something that this young RedHawks’ squad will need come the fall.
His stick work is another weapon, allowing him to interrupt passing lanes, lift sticks, and prevent clean zone entries. As a right-shot winger, he fits well into Miami’s aggressive forechecking system, bringing an energy-forward mindset that can influence play in all three zones.
What This Means for the RedHawks
Miami is preparing for a big 2025-26 season, with a large incoming freshman class of 17 players set to reshape the roster. Smith’s transfer offers something Miami’s younger players won’t have—collegiate experience. With top recruits coming in from the USHL, Western Hockey League (WHL), and Ontario Hockey League (OHL), including forward Artemi Nizameyev, forward Kocha Delic, and defenseman Ryder Thompson, Smith’s presence will help with the transition to NCAA competition. His ability to play a structured, defensive-minded game will be crucial as Miami integrates a group of fresh talent eager to make an impact.
Related: Kocha Delic – 2022 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
With this move, Miami has nearly wrapped up its additions on defense and up front, shifting the focus to one final major need—goaltending. All three netminders from the 2024-25 roster are gone due to transfers or eligibility reasons, leaving the RedHawks in search of two goalies to round out their squad. As of now, Shika Gadzhiev of the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) is the only goaltender in the system, but that won’t be the case for long. Expect Miami to make moves soon to secure stability between the pipes heading into next season, likely out of the transfer portal.
Additionally, Smith will be stepping into the NCHC, widely regarded as the toughest conference in college hockey. The transition from the ECAC to the NCHC presents another challenge, but his experience competing in one of the higher NCAA conferences should allow him to adjust quickly.
As Miami continues rebuilding its program under Noreen, adding players who understand his coaching philosophy is a great move by the coaching staff. Smith’s familiarity with his former USHL coach ensures a smoother transition, and he should have no trouble adapting to the systems and expectations at Miami.
Smith is Miami’s third transfer addition as of April 21, joining defenseman Kyle Aucoin (Harvard University) and forward Max Helgeson (UAA Seawolves) as key portal pickups. Together, these acquisitions bolster Miami’s depth, adding experienced players who can provide stability alongside the incoming freshman class.
Looking Ahead to the Fall
Smith’s transfer to Miami gives him the opportunity to play a bigger role at the NCAA level. Whether he focuses primarily on his shutdown abilities or finds opportunities to contribute offensively, his gritty, hardworking approach will surely leave an impression on this upcoming season.
