Bryan Miller is slated to start the 2008-09 season with the Alaska Aces of the East Coast Hockey League but has his sights set on one day playing in the NHL.
Pregame
How do you mentally prepare for a game?
I have my own little rituals. I get up early and get a good breakfast with my roommate. It seems as if the same guys go out to eat and go to the same restaurants. I like to get to the rink early in the morning to get my equipment ready. We have a pre-game skate, then the team usually has a meal together before players go home and take a nap.
Do you listen to music to get ready? If so, who?
Doesn’t matter to me, I could listen to Jimmy Buffett before a game.
What kind of food do you eat before a game?
I like chicken and pasta with red sauce – maybe throw a couple meatballs in there – and a salad.
How far in advance do you eat?
I eat three to four hours before a game. College it was always four hours; I found I was always hungry so I would eat three hours before.
How do you unwind after a game?
I usually just go home, change and turn on the TV. I like to relax and talk with my roommates about the game. If it’s a win, you are in a good mood. If we lose, I just sit there and maybe put on a movie.
Main Event
When did you start playing hockey?
I was 6 years old.
"Enjoy the time with your buddies. It’s the greatest thing you can ask for." |
Who was your first coach?
Jim Hunt in New Jersey
Who was your favorite coach growing up?
All of my coaches were good, especially Jim Hunt, Randy Walker and Pete Rizzotti.
What advice do you have for young players?
As you grow up and play, you realize that having fun is the key. You really take that for granted when you are little, you are having fun while you are playing. Once you leave college and you get into the pros, into the business of it, you lose that it’s supposed to be fun. Enjoy the time with your buddies. It’s the greatest thing you can ask for.
Who’s the toughest player to play against?
I’m going to say craziest, John Sabo, another guy who went through the NTDP. He doesn’t really have an off switch. He’s always 130 percent.
Who’s the toughest goalie to score on?
Coming out of college, I signed with the New Jersey Devils. I was fortunate enough to go through training camp shooting on Martin Brodeur, so I would have to say him.
Who’s your best friend in hockey?
I am close with Freddy Meyer and lived with Ryan Whitney, so I can’t really pick a best friend.
Who’s the person you’d most like to meet (in or out of hockey)?
Jimmy Buffett
What’s the best advice you ever got?
Relax and enjoy it. Try and slow everything down and not get caught up in the pressure and have fun.
What’s your most memorable hockey moment?
I played at BU, and playing in the Beanpot and that was a pretty big thing. My senior year, I had a goal and assisted on the overtime winning goal, which was pretty fun.
What was your first job?
I worked with my parents’ embroidery business.
In The Bag
Skates: Bauer
Stick: Easton or RBK
Helmet: CCM
Gloves: RBK
Photo - Greg Martin