Miami RedHawks Preseason Notebook: Practice Report, Roster Updates, & More – The Hockey Writers –

After finishing with the worst record in program history, the Miami RedHawks came into the offseason needing a major roster overhaul. Second-year head coach Anthony Noreen has brought in transfers, freshmen, and returning players, and it’s already clear that a lot of players have taken big steps forward.

Related: David Deputy & Shika Gadzhiev Talk Joining Miami Hockey

I had the chance to watch practice this past Wednesday, where the new-look RedHawks showed signs of that reset starting to take place. With the home opener set for Oct. 3-4 against Ferris State, here are my early takeaways and Wednesday’s practice standouts.

Forwards

• Freshman forward Kocha Delic was one of the clear standouts on Wednesday. Shifty and quick with the puck, he’s got a dangerous wrister, makes plays in tight, and was very vocal with teammates on the ice. His defensive game has also improved from last season with the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Sudbury Wolves, with plenty of stick lifts to win pucks back. He looks like a top-six player, most likely on the top power play unit, and he trimmed down eight pounds this offseason (198 to 190).
• Freshman forward Ilia Morozov, only 17, looks the part of a future NHL Draft pick (projected first to third round in 2026). He scored a slick wrist shot goal on a two-on-one in a three-on-three drill, showing his long reach, stride, and ability to dangle at 6-foot-3. He’s a strong passer, too, though he’ll need to adjust to the physical side of college hockey, given that he is very much a 200-foot player. He added four pounds this offseason (196 to 200), including some noticeable muscle, and will be the youngest player in college hockey this season.
• Freshman forward Justin Stupka looked quicker than he did last season with Sioux City in the United States Hockey League (USHL). He brings size at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, and showed improvements defensively at practice on the back-check. He projects to be a depth center option this season.
• Freshman forward Bradley Walker looks like he’ll bring some toughness to the lineup. He was physical along the boards all practice long and forechecked hard. He projects as a bottom-six player who gives 100% effort every shift. Noreen has said before that he is a guy you just want in your locker room.
• Sophomore forward John Emmons showed strides in his defensive game on Wednesday. Strong on the backcheck and forechecking for turnovers, he looks like a candidate…