This STHA player spotlight is on Austin Miller!

Austin started playing hockey in the STHA when he was four years old and continued playing hockey with many highlights throughout his playing career. After youth and travel hockey, Austin continued playing and he played three seasons with the Soo Indians in the NAHL (1995 - 1998), four seasons with Division 1 Western Michigan University (1998 - 2002), and four seasons with the Mississippi Sea Wolves in the ECHL (2002 - 2005). Congrats on a successful hockey career Austin!

Pictured below is Austin (back lef) and teammates who played on the USA Hockey 1994-1995 National Championship team.

Check out these questions, answered by Austin Miller.

What made you want to start playing hockey?
My mom took me to a Binghamton Whalers game when I was 4 years old and I had to play.  I started shortly after and fell in love with the game.   

What has been your favorite hockey moment?
There are so many favorite moments that I remember vividly but a few that stick out are winning Junior C Nationals with the Binghamton Junior Rangers, winning a gold medal for Team USA Juniors in Switzerland, getting the opportunity to play Division 1 Hockey, and now coaching my son’s team. 

Did you have any game day superstitions or rituals?
On game days, I always ate pasta, took a nap, and arrived 2 hours early. 

What advice would you share with youth hockey players?
Have fun! The team is always first over individuals.  Be a great teammate.

Have a positive mindset.

Practice shooting, stickhandling, and skating even when you’re not at practice. Go public skating, get roller blades, shoot pucks and stickhandle outside at home. 

Play multiple sports.

Strength train when you’re old enough.  Lift weights, run, bike, be in shape.

Be confident and have gratitude. 

What advice can you share with hockey parents?
Always let your kids know you love them no matter how they played. 

Encourage your kids to improve, recognize them when they improve.  That will stimulate confidence. 

Encourage your kids to seek feedback on how to improve from their coach.

Have your kids set long term goals.

Have your kids set two focus areas of improvement for each practice and game.