Rico Blasi returns to Miami on Oct. 30-31 for the first time in seven years, now coaching St. Thomas in its debut season in the NCHC. Blasi built Miami into a national contender during his 20 seasons there, and the program’s “Brotherhood” culture and recruiting approach still shape the team under current coach Anthony Noreen. Miami will honor Blasi before both games, as the reunion brings pride, nostalgia and memories of a painful near-miss at the 2009 national championship.

By the Numbers
  • Blasi’s Miami record: 398-311-76 over 20 seasons.
  • Miami reached the NCAA tournament 10 times and the Frozen Four twice under Blasi.
  • His teams recorded 12 20-win seasons and produced 29 NHL draft picks.
  • Entering the series, St. Thomas is 1-3-0; Miami is 5-1-0.
Yes, But

Blasi’s Miami tenure ended after difficult seasons, and the 2009 NCAA title slipped away when Boston University staged a dramatic comeback in the final. He says his focus is now on St. Thomas, which faces the challenges of joining the NCHC and building a program amid the transfer portal and NIL era.

State of Play
  • Miami is on an upward trajectory after a difficult stretch, with Noreen carrying forward elements of Blasi’s program-building approach.
  • St. Thomas arrives after a sweep, while Miami is coming off a sweep of Alaska-Anchorage.
  • Both games are expected to sell out, and Miami plans to honor Blasi before each one.
What’s Next

The weekend gives Blasi a chance to reconnect with Miami while focusing on launching St. Thomas in the NCHC. The series will also test the Tommies against a Miami team carrying early-season momentum.

Bottom Line

Blasi’s return is more than a homecoming: it highlights how the foundation he built still shapes Miami—and how he hopes to build something similar at St. Thomas.