Miami University is a hotbed for hockey in an unlikely place. Kids from around the nation flock to southwest Ohio thanks to its now-great hockey culture. Miami has had varied success at the NCAA level since its inception. Whether it’s at the ACHA level, the NHL or the Olympics, Miami is crazy about hockey.

Noah Klinsky is a junior at Miami. He’s a stud in the weight room and a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Whether it’s in-game or a random skate on a summer or a Wednesday night, he always performs (It’s country night buddy. Let’s take it easy out there). More than anything he’s a hockey player. Classic example of, ‘nice guy, tries hard, loves the game’. Klinsky loves his Nashville Predators. I think his love for them alone could be enough to get Lord Stanley to Nashville.

I’m from Nashville, Tennessee, and I play for Miami Ohio ACHA D-2 Hockey Club. I started playing when I was 5 years old but was skating for about a year before then. I am a junior history major as well as a business legal studies minor with a pre-law focus.

Q: What lead you to Miami?

I wanted to attend Miami after I went to hockey camp there in sixth and seventh grade. After that, I really only ever wanted to go to Miami, and the hockey culture contributed a lot to my falling in love with the school. I did play juniors before coming to school. I wish I could have had the opportunity to play more seasons in juniors. Also, after discovering their pre-law program and looking into their History Department, I was sold on the school academically.

What’s it like getting to play home games at Goggin? Do you get to play on the A-Pad (varisty ice) for games?

Yes. It’s great ice, but unfortunately for the club team we don’t get nearly as many fans as the big team does. However, I love the B-Pad because the ice is a little harder, everything feels tighter and I can get my head in the game quicker. But for most of our games, we play on the A-Pad, which has its perks and is an awesome sheet of ice as well.

What is the toughest road environment you’ve played in?

The toughest environment I played in was either in Lafayette, Louisiana, where the fans really had nothing better to do but come to these NA3 games in this tiny little town and just go nuts. The place would be packed, the fans would be yelling at us, and it was a tough building to play in for sure. The other toughest building I’ve played in was against Kentucky. They had all their students pack the tiny rink at midnight, and the rowdy fans would be right up on the glass, letting you know they were there. It was a good atmosphere in that little rink for sure.

What’s your best memory from playing club at Miami?

My best memory is from my freshman year at nationals when I scored two goals and we beat the no. 1 team in the country, Lindenwood-Belleville, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Tournament. We eventually lost to NYU in the semis, but it was a great memory nonetheless.

What’s the best bar in Oxford?

Brick (Brickstreet, a Miami rite of passage), but if you want just a casual drink in my opinion Side Bar or MIA are also good.

What’s your favorite tradition at Miami?

Not walking across the seal, solely because I walk past it every day and I think about failing exams if you walk on it every time.

I’d also like to shout out Miami club hockey, come out and support us!

There you have it. Noah’s a great player and even better guy. There’s a contingency of hockey campers that are on the fast-track to the show after learning the ropes from him. Though, I don’t think that work ethic can be taught. Be sure to follow him at @Jew_Jitsu27 on Twitter for some low-key great tweets. Also, follow @MiamiClubHockey to see how their season goes. Love & Honor.