Miller Ready To Return To Seals' Lineup
Published on September 28, 2006 under SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
CELEBRATION, Fla. - The New York Yankees and the Florida Seals may be at opposite ends of their respective sports' professional ladders, but they do have one thing in common - they both strive for winning traditions.
That's why Craig Miller is a fan of the former and plays for the latter.
Seals' Head Coach/V.P. of Hockey Operations Tommy Stewart and General Manager Bryan Elliott today announced that they had come to terms with Miller, ensuring that the rugged winger will be back at the Silver Spurs Arena when training camp starts on October 16th.
"Obviously, the Yankees have had a winning tradition for so many years," the Fredericton, New Brunswick born Miller said. "They bring in guys that can fit into the puzzle and know how to win and that's what Tommy (Stewart) is good at - getting a good mix of guys. You can't have three lines of forwards that are all goal scorers. You have to fit guys in that are checkers and Tommy is really good at that."
The 28 year old Miller posted career highs in assists (30) and points (56) to go along with 26 goals last season. By his own admission, he - much like the team - started off slowly but picked it up following the holidays.
"I can't put a finger on why we started out slow. I personally started out slow too," he said. "I think that's something we have to change this year."
"I think we have to come out of the gates right away. You see what Knoxville did last year," he continued. "They beat us and I think the main reason was because they had home ice in the finals. If we start a little better, we can put ourselves in a better position come playoff time."
During the off season, Miller took his time deciding whether to return to the ice. Like teammate Steve Zoryk, Miller has been playing for a while and is beginning to contemplate life after hockey. In the end, his relationship with Coach Stewart and desire to go out a champion led him to choose to lace up the skates again.
"I wasn't completely sure if I was going to play another season," he explained. "Obviously, you want to go out a winner. That's one of the main reasons. It's tough getting there every year and not being able to close the deal."
"I've known Stewie for three years and we have a good relationship on and off the ice," he added. "We talked quite a bit this summer and he knew the situation I was in. He made it clear that he wanted me to come back."
The Seals' roster that Miller is returning to will be quite different than the one he left in April. Several teammates have moved on to other spots on the hockey map. In their place are expected to be a bumper crop of rookies who will need the guidance of veteran leadership - something that Miller is ready to provide.
"I think last year we had one of the oldest teams in the league and the way it looks this year we may be one of the youngest," he said. "I just try to be a leader, lead by example. I'm not a rah-rah guy in the dressing room but if something needs to be said in the dressing room, I'll say it."
"I just try to lead by example and I take good pride in that," he added. "Obviously, Stewie's been confident with me the last two years to give me the assistant captain role. I take it as a challenge as well to get all the guys on the same page."
And what expectations does Miller have for the new kids?
"The guys we're bringing are going to be relied on perform and hopefully they'll step in and contribute," he said. "Knowing Tommy and the way he puts the team together, I know he's going to have a winning team again. I'm really looking forward to it."
The Florida Seals are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 SPHL season. The Seals return to the Silver Spurs Arena is only days away. Florida Seals will begin their season at home on October 27th vs. Huntsville at 7:35pm. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information please call the Seals at (407) 343-7825 or log on to www.floridaseals.com .
SPHL Stories from September 28, 2006
- Seals Select Council as Charity for 2006-07 - Florida Seals
- Miller Ready To Return To Seals' Lineup - Florida Seals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
