Miami announced Tuesday that Enrico Blasi has been fired from his role as head coach of the RedHawks hockey program.
“This is a difficult day for Miami athletics and our hockey program,” said Miami director of athletics David Sayler in a statement. “The hockey program has had strong historical success under the guidance and leadership of Rico. In addition, Rico is an exceptional person of character and devotion. In recent years, Miami hockey has fallen short of expectations, both within our conference and nationally. The NCHC is the strongest conference in hockey and it’s imperative that we become more competitive for conference championships and NCAA appearances.
“I want to thank Rico and his family for their service and commitment to Miami University and the broader Oxford community.”
Blasi spent the last 20 years as Miami’s head coach, compiling a 398-311-76 record at his alma mater. He was a five-time CCHA Coach of the Year and was named AHCA National Coach of the Year in 2005-06. The RedHawks advanced to 10 NCAA tournaments, including two Frozen Four appearances, and one national championship game under Blasi.
Since joining the NCHC six years ago, Blasi was 45-84-15-10 in conference play. Miami finished second in the NCHC regular season during the 2014-15 campaign and won the conference tournament that same year to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That was Blasi’s lone top-half conference finish in the NCHC.
A national search for Blasi’s replacement will begin immediately.
