OXFORD — Ryan Sullivan played in all 34 of Miami University’s hockey games this season, and he competed in every one of them as if they were his last.
The senior forward saw the clock ticking down Saturday night during the final game of his career in a RedHawks uniform, yet he was still flying around the ice.
He was blocking pucks with his already bruised and battered body.
“That’s just how much this place means to me,” Sullivan said. “Wearing that jersey is an honor. Whether it’s my last time or these guys’ next three years, it just has to mean that. It has to mean more.
“I care a lot. It never dawned on me to stop playing with just a small injury. I’m just grateful to suit up every game and put that jersey on.”
Judging by the way Sullivan played during his final time at Steve Cady Arena, you wouldn’t have known the RedHawks were closing in on their worst season in program history.
But they were.
“I knew they were going to play hard for the seniors,” Miami coach Anthony Noreen said. “If you had any question about the team and the leadership, Ryan Sullivan, I think we all know what he is going through.
“He goes down to block a shot in a 4-1 game. I think that tells you everything you need to know about him and our senior group.”
Miami fell to No. 4 Western Michigan 5-2 inside the Goggin Ice Center, ending its season at 3-28-3 (.132%). The RedHawks suffered a 25-game winless streak — losing 24 of their last 25 — which included a stretch of 23 consecutive losses and a tie.
The RedHawks continued to power through until the horn that finalized Noreen’s first year at the helm.
The coach made it clear that if the puck could be dropped tomorrow to start next season, he’d welcome it.
“You just show up and you work, and you don’t make things about results,” Noreen said. “I’m gonna tell you right now, because there will be a time we’re on the other side of these. Some people from the outside might think it’s hard. You just show up and work. You just show up and you do the same things every single day, and you push each other to get better, and you stay consistent. You have the right attitude, and you don’t accept anything less.
“The day I’m not fired up to come here and have a smile on my face and excited to coach these guys will be the day I won’t ever step in the ring again. That’ll probably be long from now.”
Miami started the season off with two ties and two wins before losing three straight. Miami’s last win was against Lindenwood in a 4-1 victory at Cady Arena on Oct. 26.
The RedHawks’ last National Collegiate Hockey Conference victory was a 4-3 win over Western Michigan on Jan. 13, 2024. They’re 1-43-3 in conference play the last two seasons.
“Things are easy when they go well, but you can test your character when it’s not,” said Sullivan, a team captain. “It’s just been an absolute privilege. It’s sad to see it go by so fast. These two years have meant the world to me.”
Sullivan envisions better days ahead for Miami hockey.
“A lot of guys can feel the standard of what we’re trying to build — especially the last few months,” Sullivan said. “I think they need to hold these memories for the good and the bad and learn from them — build on what’s going to put this place where it’s supposed to be.”
Colby Ambrosio led the RedHawks with seven goals and added 13 assists this season, while Matt Choupani, Casper Nassen and Sullivan each scored six goals. Johnny Waldron had a team-high 16 assists.
“I like the buy-in more from everyone,” Sullivan said. “We’re playing a hard brand of hockey that is culture-based. Everyone has bought into each other. Granted, the record doesn’t show it. I’m proud of the effort we’re laying out for each other. That’s what’s going to build for this program moving forward.”
Miami recognized Spencer Cox, Raimonds Vitolins, Matt Choupani, Ryan Sullivan, Christophe Fillion, Brett Miller, Colby Ambrosio and Conner Hutchison on Senior Night before Saturday’s game.
The class includes five first-year RedHawks. Fifth-year defensemen Dylan Moulton and Hampus Rydqvist played their final series at Cady Arena, but both were already honored on Senior Night at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
Sullivan and Rydqvist each played in their 150th collegiate games last weekend in Duluth, with Sullivan lighting the lamp Friday in the process to help Miami force overtime. Raimonds Vitolins also appeared in the 100th contest of his college career Saturday night.
“Whether it’s life or hockey, it’s just how you respond,” Sullivan said. “You can’t control outcomes. If you can come to the rink or life with an attitude that we’re going to work and push forward, I think it’s the most valuable thing. I’m going to take that with me every day after this year.
“It flew by after that first half at break,” Sullivan added. “Once you’re on the road with our long travel, weekends just keep going and going. You realize pretty quick you can’t take anything for granted. It’s tough, but I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It’s been an absolute honor. This school has meant the world to me — especially this team and this program. I’m grateful for my time here. Everything about what we’ve gone through this year has been tough, but I think there are lessons that I can carry the rest of my life and these guys can, too.”
