David David Deputy and Shika Gadzhiev speak to join Miami Hockey – Hockey Writer – USHL
Anthony Noreen and the Miami Redhawks added two players, who will have an immediate impact in the 2025-26 season. David deputy and Shika Gadzhiev stood out in the American Hockey League (USHL) with Muskegon Lumberjacks and will bring extensive experience to the Redhawks program, hoping to stand out at the NCHC last season.
Agent's offensive ability
The Agent is a swift right wing, traded to the Muskegon Lumberjacks midway through the season and settled immediately into the top six characters, often playing on the frontline. He has had a significant impact on the power play, skating with top prospects Tainan Lawrence (C) and Ivan Ryabkin (LW), both expected to be first-round picks in the 2025 and 2026 NHL drafts.
He thrives with fast-paced hockey performances, creating scoring opportunities with fast hands and vision, and despite not shy away from the drive net, he fights for rebounds, often scoring on second chances.
“It’s fast, I’ll say it’s fast,” the deputy said of his game style. “Skating is an important part of my game – using tips, scoring goals. I love scoring goals, assists – yes, everything the team really needs.”
Despite his offensiveness this season, the agent was ignored in the final ranking of the 2025 NHL Central Scouts, which intensified his momentum to enter college hockey. But, despite not being ranked in any media, I wouldn't be surprised to see him being selected in the rear wheel of this year's draft.
Muskegon head coach Ryan Burgess believes that the growth of the deputy is self-evident.
“Everyone is developing at different moments,” Burgess said. “There is no way to success, all recognition and all eyes are not getting, and that's well deserved. He has to work hard for it, and people finally see what we see every day.”
– Ryan Sikes, RMS Hockey
Although the agent is known for his handling and offensive skills in hockey, he doesn't mind playing with his physical strength. Despite the smaller frame, he joked that he would throw his gloves off if he had a chance, although the NCAA has banned fighting at the college level. Obviously, that won't stop him from bringing resilience to his teammates and standing up for him next season.
“You can't fight at that level, but I will.” The deputy said with a smile.
Ghazshev's sports condition in the goal
Meanwhile, Gadzhiev is a status quo athletic goalkeeper who provides stability in the net. He ranks third among 2004-born players, and his reading ability, quick response and rebounding ability makes it hard to beat him, especially later in the game.
His angle is sharp, taking up space from the shooter, recovering quickly on the second chance, and having a quick butterfly.
“Between the pipelines, I do my best. The first thing, my heart. I play for my team,” Ghazshev said. “I always try to help the team win and cover up the boys' guard. Every game, I win as much as I can and steal some games when needed – always protecting my teammates.”
Agent play
The agent quickly played a role, his skating ability opened up space for space and sometimes created offensive opportunities due to his pre-review. His instinct has no hockey, constantly moving to weak areas in coverage and space for himself to gain opportunities in tough areas, especially around creases.
His ability to find teammates with accurate passes brings another dimension to his game, making him a full-scale offensive threat, especially an advantage to the human. He quickly took the puck, slid across the neutral zone and attacked at speed.
“The agent is smaller, but he is thick. His base is strong, and his skating pace allows him to be fast and fast high-end speeds. His feet are shooting while working in small spaces.”
– Neutral Zone
In the 2024-25 season, he invested a lot of numbers in 59 games between Omaha and Muskegan, recording 21 goals and 36 assists (57 points). As the playoffs rolled, he took his game to another level, scoring 10 goals and 4 assists, and a total of 14 points in 14 games, playing an important role in leading Jacks to the Clark Cup title.
The deputy joined Miami after seeing the vision set by head coach Anthony Noreen, who had a history of rebuilding a successful USHL program during his time at Youngstown and Tri-City.
“Yes, I love Anthony,” the attorney said. “He’s a down-to-earth coach, he’s a great player coach, and obviously he’s successful everywhere.
Related: Muskegon Lumberjacks wins first USHL Clark Cup
Miami's recruitment course is attracting attention, with the Neutral District ranked ninth in college hockey and the upcoming Tier 4. The agent has also been recognized, ranking 38th among players born in 2004.
Miami’s heavy recruitment drive is not just about bringing in high-end talent, but also about a comprehensive team that meets the needs of the program. Redhawks added a variety of forwards, including All-Ushl third team member Artemi Nizameyev and skilled organizers of the 2023-24 Hobey Baker Awards, from Canisius.
They also brought in mobile defensemen like Ryder Thompson and Michael Phelan, as well as body Bluelins like Shaun McEwen. Between the pipes, they reinforced the depth with the newly acquired Matteo Drobac, another sport mesh that should complement the Gadzhiev well. This is huge for programs that want to re-mount the map.
Related: Miami Redhawks commit Ryder Thompson ready to bring new defensive approach to Oxford
“There are a lot of skills,” the deputy said. “A lot of Miami logos are next to the high-end Ushl guys, which is great. The defense is big, strong, and they can all skate and move the puck. But I think the biggest thing is the role of the man – a lot of people are a really good handsome guy and the guys really want to win and be a part. That's what we do.”
Gadzhiev's journey to Miami
Despite the much-needed offensive firepower from the deputy, Gadzhiev provided Miami with a reliable goalkeeper with two years of Clark Cup playoff experience. He acts patiently, even maintains control under pressure, and has fast reflections, solid rebound control and intelligent positioning.
“The goalkeeper of the Lumberjack in Slovakia/Russian is seeing a more athletic and active sport style. Keeping the phone and using the stance difference allows his eyes to track the puck intuitively and make up for the lack of unity of his game. His sport style will see his sport style, which makes him work harder and harder. In a very physical game, he sees some of his own confusion, which is something to watch out for.”
– Neutral Zone
In the 2024-25 regular season, he recorded 2.68 goal average (GAA) and .909 percent savings (SV%) in 34 games and added 3 lockdowns. When the playoffs arrived, he reached another level, ending with a 2.03 GAA, .935 SV% and a stunning 8-1 record, leading Muskegon to his first ever Clark Cup title.
Gadzhiev proved that he could handle big games, especially seen in this year's Clark Cup playoffs. However, before entering the USHL, he led his team to the Slovakia U20 title in 2022-23 and ended with the league's best 1.40 GAA and 0.951 SV%. His experience in a lot of moments will be key to Miami next season when he has a tough NCHC schedule in Miami and two mid-season games.
Adapting to North American hockey was not easy, but he accepted the challenge.
“I didn’t even think of university before I got here,” Ghazshev said. “I was thinking about playing professional players. But then I saw how many players wanted to go to college – good players, a lot of scouts and agents looked at it. I thought it was the best way to go to the NHL, so that's why I chose college.”
After seeing the level of faith in the coaching staff, his commitment to Miami.
“The first thing – the coach's commitment, he wants me to join the team,” Ghazshev said. “Yes, I'm so happy about it – someone really wants me to join his team and do a lot of work. Then I went to the visit and it was amazing, so I couldn't say no after that visit.”
Apart from hockey, he quickly felt comfortable in Oxford.
“Everything is great,” Ghazshev said. “It's a really nice city. The weather is great; people are great. The city is safe. One thing I like is that everyone is good. Everything is good. Everything is very close, next to each other. The rink is right in the middle of the campus, so that's great.”
The bright future of Miami
With the best-in-class experience and scoring ability of the deputy, Gaddzchiff's quick reflections and clutch savings, Miami is attracting two players who know how to compete.
Both players are ready to take NCHC and Miami fans don't have to wait too long to meet them at Goggin.
Sign up for our NHL prospects and draft alternative newsletter
