Almost a decade before New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg made it illegal to smoke cigarettes in restaurants and started the green movement we now know today, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani went on a crusade of his own, making most fireworks illegal in the five boroughs.
If Giuliani saw Aces defenseman Rob Miller on the ice back then, he would have thrown the Morristown-NJ native in the slammer.
Just like an M-80, Miller is living proof that lightning can come in small packages. 5′10 and 190 pounds, Miller hits hard and has a steady offensive game that will undoubtedly be showcased this season in Brooklyn.
“I spent four years in the ACHL and SPHL and that was my reputation,” he said. “Playing small, but tenacious. That’s the way I’ve always played. That’s how I’ve always been categorized. That’s it.”
With 109 points in 200 games of pro hockey under his belt, Miller will obviously be asked to help out on the powerplay. With over 400 minutes in penalties during his time in the pros as well, he’ll also give the Aces another solid physical presence.
Nevertheless, in spite of his versatility, he sees himself filling a variety of roles.
“I usually play on the powerplay and offensive roles,” Miller, who will serve as the team’s assistant captain this season, said. “I think that will be the case when the season starts and everyone gets situated. At any rate, I’m here to help this team and I’ll do anything that [Aces Head Coach] Chris [Firriolo] wants me to do to help these kids.”
However, there’s more to Miller than meets the eye.
Out of professional hockey for two seasons, the 29-year-old was attempting to make his mark as a coach before the season started. Earning his bumps and bruises first in juniors as an Assistant Coach with the Walpole Express, Miller then accepted a spot as the Assistant Coach with the EPHL’s New Hampshire Freeze. Unfortunately for him, the team soon folded, temporarily leaving him without a hockey home.
After a week of contemplating his future, the Aces came calling, giving the former Salem State College standout another lease on his playing career.
While Miller admitted he’s not sure what the future holds for him, he’s still excited to play in Brooklyn this season.
“I like this team a lot,” said Miller, who models his game after former New Jersey defenseman Brian Rafalski. “There are a lot of good guys here and that’s always very important. In pro hockey, it’s always about forming a cohesive unit and I think we’re on our way there. I think Chris picked a real good bunch of kids. They all really want to play and get to the next level. That’s exactly what I think Chris wants them to do too.”
Using the experience he’s gained as a coach over the past two seasons, Miller is ready to take this new role with the same tenacity he’s been known for throughout his first run as a pro.
“I think our defense is going to be very good,” he said. “I know a lot of the players the other teams have. I’ve watched a lot of them and played with or against some of them too. When we start to get in a rhythm and start practicing every day, we’re going to be good.”
Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.
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on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Excellent blog.
It’s too bad some of the local Brooklyn papers that cover the Cyclones haven’t picked up on your articles. If it weren’t for you, we’d know nothing about the team.
Keep up the good work!!!
on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I’m the Sports Editor of Bay Currents Pat! You can read my articles there!