Miami University Hockey Players In Nhl
Miami University, located in Oxford, Ohio, has a rich history of producing talented hockey players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). In fact, Miami is one of the top NCAA Division I programs in terms of producing NHL players, with a total of 32 alumni who have gone on to play in the NHL. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most notable Miami University hockey players who have made it to the big leagues.
Andy Greene
Andy Greene is a veteran defenseman who currently plays for the New York Islanders. However, before he made it to the NHL, Greene had a standout career at Miami University. He played for the RedHawks from 2002-2006, earning CCHA All-Rookie team honors and serving as team captain in his senior year. After college, Greene signed with the New Jersey Devils and quickly became a key player on their blue line. He spent 14 seasons with the Devils, earning the "A" on his jersey as an alternate captain for much of that time. In 2020, Greene signed with the Islanders as a free agent.
Reilly Smith
Reilly Smith is a forward who currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights. Like Greene, Smith had an impressive career at Miami University before making it to the NHL. He played for the RedHawks from 2009-2012, leading the team in scoring in his final season and earning CCHA First Team honors. After college, Smith signed with the Dallas Stars and played two seasons with the team before being traded to the Boston Bruins. He was part of the Bruins' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013, scoring three goals and three assists in 22 playoff games. In 2015, Smith was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he played for two seasons before being traded again, this time to the Golden Knights.
Carter Camper
Carter Camper is a forward who has played for several NHL teams throughout his career, including the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Nashville Predators. He played for Miami University from 2007-2011, earning CCHA Rookie of the Year honors in his first season and leading the team in scoring in three of his four seasons. Despite going undrafted out of college, Camper signed with the Bruins in 2011 and made his NHL debut with the team in 2012. While he has spent most of his career in the AHL, Camper has played in 75 NHL games and has tallied 8 goals and 20 assists.
Blake Coleman
Blake Coleman is a forward who currently plays for the Calgary Flames. He played for Miami University from 2010-2014, earning CCHA All-Rookie team honors in his first season and serving as team captain in his final year. After college, Coleman signed with the New Jersey Devils and played four seasons with the team. In 2020, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he played a critical role in the team's Stanley Cup victory, scoring three goals in the Final. This past offseason, Coleman signed a free agent deal with the Flames.
