Miami returns to the ice this weekend for a non-conference series against Niagara. The RedHawks come in at 6-10-2 (2-7-1 NCHC) after a 5-0 victory over then-No. 4 St. Cloud State on Dec. 10. The Purple Eagles are 9-5-2 (5-5-2 AHA) and are currently receiving votes in the USCHO.com national poll. Niagara last competed Dec. 9 at AIC (a 4-1 loss). This will be the first all-time meeting between Miami and Niagara.

Both games in Oxford will be streamed on NCHC.tv, with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30. The December 31 matchup will begin at 4:05 p.m., one hour earlier than the RedHawks' usual start time for Saturday home games.

Friday's game will air on WKBV 1490 AM (Richmond, Ind.), while Saturday's game will be broadcast on WMOH 1450 AM The Ticket (Hamilton, Ohio). Greg Waddell and Drew Davis will have the call both nights.

Matthew Barbolini (7-11-18) and John Waldron (7-4-11) each have seven goals on the year to lead the RedHawks' offense. Barbolini has a team-high 11 assists. Red Savage and PJ Fletcher have produced 10 points apiece. Goaltender Ludvig Persson is 6-9-2 between the pipes with a .904 save percentage and 3.12 GAA.

Head coach Chris Bergeron and freshman defenseman Zane Demsey met with the media this week to preview the matchup against the Purple Eagles.