Miller Named Rookie of the Month
January 2, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL) News Release
SPRINGFIELD, MA ... The American Hockey League announced today that Rochester Americans goaltender Ryan Miller has been named the AHL Rookie of the Month for December. In 11 games, Miller posted a record of 7-1-2 with a 1.97 goals against average, a .942 save percentage and two shutouts.
Miller's play between the pipes has sparked Rochester's climb to second place in the AHL's Central Division after an 0-6-4-2 start to the season. Miller began his month with back-to-back road wins against South Division-leading Norfolk, including a 41-save effort on Dec. 6. He made 38 stops in shutting out Syracuse on Dec. 13, and turned aside 35 shots in a 2-0 win over Hershey on Dec. 21. Miller finished the month in the NHL after being recalled by the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 31.
In recognition of his accomplishment, Miller will be presented with an etched crystal trophy by the AHL prior to an upcoming game.
A 23-year-old native of East Lansing, Mich., Miller is 12-10-4 in 27 games with the Amerks this season, with a 2.27 GAA, a .925 save percentage and two shutouts. Miller, who has followed cousins Kip, Kelly and Kevin into the NHL, was drafted by Buffalo in 1999 and is coming off an outstanding collegiate career at Michigan State University, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as the outstanding player in U.S. college hockey in 2001 and was a finalist for the award in 2002.
Other players nominated for AHL Rookie of the Month for December include Albany right wing Chris Hartsburg, Bridgeport center Jeff Hamilton, Cincinnati center Tony Martensson, Cleveland right wing Niko Dimitrakos, Grand Rapids center Tomas Kopecky, Houston center Mark Cullen, Lowell forward Ryan Bayda, Manchester center Jared Aulin, Manitoba left wing Jason King, Milwaukee left wing Darren Haydar, Providence right wing Martin Samuelsson, Springfield center Jeff Taffe, Syracuse right wing Tim Jackman, Utah goaltender Jason Bacashihua, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton center Matt Murley and Worcester center John Pohl.
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