January 12, 2006
BROCK'S MILLER NEARS 100TH CAREER GAME
ST. CATHARINES - When the Brock Badgers women's hockey team steps out onto the ice Friday night to face the Guelph Gryphons, defenseman Melissa Miller (Enterprise, ON) will become the first player in team history to play in 100 games. It is only fitting that Miller, a true embodiment of a team player, be the first to reach the mark with the Badgers. In her five seasons at Brock, she has matured along with the hockey program, becoming one of the Badgers greatest leaders, both on and off the ice.
Ironically, Miller's time with the Badgers almost never was. Miller began playing hockey at the age of six, and later displayed considerable talent in the sport of softball. It would be her skill on the diamond and not the on the ice that had American universities calling. Turning down scholarships from universities in Georgia and Carolina, Miller chose to come to Brock University because of the Physical Education program and a little known, up and coming, women's hockey program. Once at Brock, she still faced one last hurdle in making the team: tryouts. While Miller and head coach Todd Erskine still joke about her almost not making the team five years ago, Miller would go on to play 19 games in her freshman season, tallying one goal and adding four assists.
The following season, Miller quickly cemented her position with the Badgers. She matched her point totals from season one, playing in all 22 regular season games for the team. The 2002-03 season also marked the beginning of a new spring tradition at Brock, Miller's annual recognition as the Badgers Top Defenseman. She has gone on to win the award for three seasons in a row. During this three year span, she has not only increased her annual scoring totals but also played in every Badgers regular season game. In 2003-04, the OUA recognized Miller's play by naming her a second team all-star. Now in her fifth year, Miller can be regularly seen playing up to 30 minutes a night, anchoring the Badgers blueline in all situations. She is often regarded as one of the OUA's most dependable and consistent defenseman.
Off the ice, Miller promotes only the most exemplary of qualities that can be associated with a student athlete. She has been the recipient of both the Brock Hockey Leadership Award and Brock President's Award from 2003 to 2005. She is a two-time Academic All-Canadian and has been an OUA Academic Achievement award winner in each of her first four years at Brock. Earlier this season, she was honoured at the Annual OUA Women of Influence Luncheon, celebrating student-athletes that have excelled in their chosen sports and fields of study.
Never one to boast about individual accolades before those of the team, Miller regards last season's team success as the highlight of her playing career. The Badgers made it to the OUA Final Four for the first time last season and were rewarded for their accomplishment by being named Brock's team of the year. Because the accomplishments of her team outweigh any of her own, it is no wonder that Miller is considered a leader by those she plays along side with.
Said veteran forward Michelle Edgar: "She is devoid of any type of selfish acts whether on the ice or off. She constantly pushes herself to succeed, which always seems to convince the team that no matter how hard we work we can always give a little more."
Rookie defenseman Krystal Viney added, "Her calm, positive attitude has shown me what it takes to become captain material. She is not only a friend at hockey but outside of hockey too. When we are at team events you can often catch Miller scanning the room for someone who needs a bit of assistance or for someone that just wants to talk. Miller is someone I respect as both a defenseman and a person. I am only sorry for upcoming prospects as they won't have the chance to meet this wonderful and caring person. My Momma Miller!"
Veteran forward and assistant captain, Sarah McDade said, "Miller is the type of player that makes those around her want to be better. She comes to play every day and never gives less than 100 per cent. It's her ability to bring her "˜A' game, every game, that amazes me the most about her. I have never played with a player who has more desire, dedication or passion for the game than she does. I am honoured to have Miller as a teammate and more importantly as a friend."
Although Friday night's affair with the Gryphons will mark Melissa Miller's 100th game as a Badger, she would be the first to remind readers that her accomplishment perils in comparison to the success of the team. The Badgers will look to do Miller proud this weekend when they host the #8 nationally ranked Guelph Gryphons Friday (7:40 PM start time), and the #1 nationally ranked Laurier Golden Hawks Saturday (6:40 PM start time).
(Source: Andre Andrijiw, Brock Badgers women's hockey manager)
Ironically, Miller's time with the Badgers almost never was. Miller began playing hockey at the age of six, and later displayed considerable talent in the sport of softball. It would be her skill on the diamond and not the on the ice that had American universities calling. Turning down scholarships from universities in Georgia and Carolina, Miller chose to come to Brock University because of the Physical Education program and a little known, up and coming, women's hockey program. Once at Brock, she still faced one last hurdle in making the team: tryouts. While Miller and head coach Todd Erskine still joke about her almost not making the team five years ago, Miller would go on to play 19 games in her freshman season, tallying one goal and adding four assists.
The following season, Miller quickly cemented her position with the Badgers. She matched her point totals from season one, playing in all 22 regular season games for the team. The 2002-03 season also marked the beginning of a new spring tradition at Brock, Miller's annual recognition as the Badgers Top Defenseman. She has gone on to win the award for three seasons in a row. During this three year span, she has not only increased her annual scoring totals but also played in every Badgers regular season game. In 2003-04, the OUA recognized Miller's play by naming her a second team all-star. Now in her fifth year, Miller can be regularly seen playing up to 30 minutes a night, anchoring the Badgers blueline in all situations. She is often regarded as one of the OUA's most dependable and consistent defenseman.
Off the ice, Miller promotes only the most exemplary of qualities that can be associated with a student athlete. She has been the recipient of both the Brock Hockey Leadership Award and Brock President's Award from 2003 to 2005. She is a two-time Academic All-Canadian and has been an OUA Academic Achievement award winner in each of her first four years at Brock. Earlier this season, she was honoured at the Annual OUA Women of Influence Luncheon, celebrating student-athletes that have excelled in their chosen sports and fields of study.
Never one to boast about individual accolades before those of the team, Miller regards last season's team success as the highlight of her playing career. The Badgers made it to the OUA Final Four for the first time last season and were rewarded for their accomplishment by being named Brock's team of the year. Because the accomplishments of her team outweigh any of her own, it is no wonder that Miller is considered a leader by those she plays along side with.
Said veteran forward Michelle Edgar: "She is devoid of any type of selfish acts whether on the ice or off. She constantly pushes herself to succeed, which always seems to convince the team that no matter how hard we work we can always give a little more."
Rookie defenseman Krystal Viney added, "Her calm, positive attitude has shown me what it takes to become captain material. She is not only a friend at hockey but outside of hockey too. When we are at team events you can often catch Miller scanning the room for someone who needs a bit of assistance or for someone that just wants to talk. Miller is someone I respect as both a defenseman and a person. I am only sorry for upcoming prospects as they won't have the chance to meet this wonderful and caring person. My Momma Miller!"
Veteran forward and assistant captain, Sarah McDade said, "Miller is the type of player that makes those around her want to be better. She comes to play every day and never gives less than 100 per cent. It's her ability to bring her "˜A' game, every game, that amazes me the most about her. I have never played with a player who has more desire, dedication or passion for the game than she does. I am honoured to have Miller as a teammate and more importantly as a friend."
Although Friday night's affair with the Gryphons will mark Melissa Miller's 100th game as a Badger, she would be the first to remind readers that her accomplishment perils in comparison to the success of the team. The Badgers will look to do Miller proud this weekend when they host the #8 nationally ranked Guelph Gryphons Friday (7:40 PM start time), and the #1 nationally ranked Laurier Golden Hawks Saturday (6:40 PM start time).
(Source: Andre Andrijiw, Brock Badgers women's hockey manager)
