Sylvania native Alden Hirschfeld didn't even see the biggest goal he had ever scored in his life go in the net.

Hirschfeld, a sophomore forward for Miami University, scored the game winner in the RedHawks' dramatic 3-2 double-overtime win over Michigan in the NCAA regional final Sunday night. The Northview graduate scored 1:54 into the second OT to send Miami back to the Frozen Four for the second straight year.

"I'd definitely say it's the biggest goal of my life," Hirschfeld said. "I did not know it went in right away. I saw the ref signal and then the players came to me. Everyone was ecstatic. They were just so excited, and everyone was so tired from playing the game. They were all telling me how much they loved me."

Hirschfeld's heroics sent Miami into the national semifinal against Boston College (27-10-3) on April 8 at Ford Field in Detroit. Miami (29-7-7), the No. 1 ranked team for most of the season, lost 3-2 to Boston University in overtime in the national championship last year. The title game takes place April 10 in Detroit.

"It's a huge deal with it coming in double overtime and scoring the goal to put our team back in the Frozen Four," Hirschfeld said. "It's something we've worked for the whole year. It's very exciting."

In Miami's last trip to the national semifinals, Hirschfeld scored a big goal against Bemidji State.

This season Hirschfeld has 13 points in 41 games. He has scored seven goals and dished out six assists. He also has three game-winning goals.

Hirschfeld credited teammate Trent Vogelhuber for setting him up with the game winner against the Wolverines in the regional final in Fort Wayne, Ind.

"The puck was in the corner and they turned it over," Hirschfeld said. "I picked up the puck at the top of the circle and fired on net. Their goalie was screened a little bit. It went underneath his arm."

At Northview, Hirschfeld helped lead the Wildcats to the state title game in 2006. But in an intense championship tilt, Northview could not sustain a 3-1 lead over Parma Padua Franciscan and lost 6-5 in sudden death overtime.

Hirschfeld, who was a senior captain, scored two goals in the first period. He posted 138 goals and 119 assists during his career. He holds the school record for most goals in a season with 64 in 2005-06.

Hirschfeld credited longtime Northview coach Jim Cooper for teaching him the ropes.

"He helped me with my game growing up," Hirschfeld said. "He's a great friend and I appreciate his support."

Cooper, who was in attendance at the regional championship, said it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Hirschfeld.

"It was one of the greatest goals ever scored by any player in Miami history," Cooper said. "What an honor for Alden to be the one. Everything was on the line. It was right in front of me. For the Northview family it was obviously just total elation. It really is a remarkable achievement."

Cooper said Hirschfeld was not the biggest player back in high school.

"The biggest part of his development is growing into what is now a pretty solid frame," Cooper said. "That has helped him tremendously at the D-I level. He's worked hard in the weight room. He has become a devastating checker."

Hirschfeld watched with great interest as Northview made another a run to the state championship this season.

"I still know a few of the players on the team," Hirschfeld said. "It's frustrating. I want them to win so bad. I wanted them to get it for themselves, for Coop, and for the alumni. They put up a great fight. They just came up on the wrong end of the deal."

Hirschfeld planned to go to the title game at Nationwide Arena, but Miami played Ohio State at home that same day.

"My parents [Traci and Glen] drove to Columbus for the game that day and then drove to Oxford that night," Hirschfeld said. "My dad was texting me during the game."

Glen Hirschfeld played tight end at Miami and was named to the All-MAC first team in 1985. A large contingent of family, friends, and Northview faithful are planning to go to the game at Ford Field.

"It's always great to see family and friends that support me and the team," Hirschfeld said.

Hirschfeld said while it is nice to be acknowledged with the No. 1 ranking in the polls, he said finishing on top at the end of the season is the only stat that matters.

"Those are just numbers. It's good to be ranked No. 1, but it does not mean anything if you don't win it," he said.

Hirschfeld said the team has dedicated the season to former Miami student manager Brendan Burke, who was killed in a car accident in February. Burke, the youngest son of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, was driving back to Oxford, Ohio, for the RedHawks' game against Lake Superior State. His car slid on the ice and struck a truck. Burke, 21, and his passenger, Mark Reedy, 18, died in the wreck.

"He was a great friend and he was with us every day," Hirschfeld said. "It was devastating. It was so unexpected. It was tough.

"We know he is along with us for the ride for sure."

The players are wearing stickers on their helmets and a patch on their jerseys with the initials "B.B" in the shape of a shamrock.

On the way to the regional tournament in Fort Wayne the team bus stopped at the site of the accident. The players put up a pair of broken goalie sticks in the shape of a cross as a memorial.

"We think about him everyday. He's still a huge part of this team," Hirschfeld said. "We're doing it for him."

Hirschfeld said the team was "definitely running on adrenaline" in the second overtime against Michigan.

"You're so tired," he said. "But mentally you're focused on staying with the game plan. At that point everyone is exhausted. It really comes down to wanting it and heart and character."

Contact Mark Monroe at:

mmonroe@theblade.com

or 419-724-6354.

First Published March 31, 2010, 9:12 a.m.