Earning it. That is the best way to describe the journey Kevin Miller has taken on his path to NCAA hockey.
It was roughly two years ago that I first spoke to the Miller family. Not knowing what to do next after a frustrating season, I urged them to remain calm, and prepare for a change in how things would be done moving forward.
Trust. Its what the Miller family gave me when trust was the one thing they had little left of.
A move from the East Coast, to the Mid West for the 2013-2014 season saw Kevin Miller receive opportunity under Head Coach Marty Quarters. It also saw Coach Quarters help in turning Kevin Miller into a complete player.
“Coach Quarters is one of the best coaches I have ever had. He taught me a lot, and gave me every chance to succeed.” Said Miller.
Just before the signing deadline Miller received an opportunity to move up to the NAHL. Grateful for that opportunity, after a brief stint with the Soo Eagles he returned to Coach Quarters to finish the season and build toward the 2014-2015 season.
The summer of 2014 saw Miller willing to take another chance. In August, he was off to Canada to play Junior A Hockey.
With the season coming to a close, taking that chance saw Miller receiving interest from several NCAA programs. Important to him though, was the opportunity to go to school close to home so his family could watch him play. Two years and thousands of miles from home, can make a young man just a little hungry for some of Mom’s home cooking.
“When I got the call from Coach Meredith, I felt very comfortable. Academically the school had everything I wanted, and the hockey program is one that I want to be a part of achieving the goals that Coach has set moving forward. It really was an easy decision, and I am excited to be heading to Fredonia.”
Every players path is different. Though the destinations may be similar, there is simply no one path that leads to your destination. It is a journey. Though the ride may be longer for some than it is for others, getting there is all that matters.
Congratulations Kevin. You earned it.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
