Miller time
Evan Miller has been exactly what the doctor ordered for the Thorold Blackhawks’ ailing offence.
The 18-year-old Niagara-on-the-Lake resident has come as advertised since his arrival from the Fort Erie Meteors.
Miller has collected four goals and four assists for eight points in three games, giving the Hawks a legitimate No. 1 centre.
“We really liked our team before, but we didn’t have that one player when you needed a goal or to create some offence,” Thorold coach Scott Barnes said. “Getting him almost gave us two offensive players because it gave (Trevor) Neumann a little bit of an offensive life. It gives us a real scoring line.”
Barnes said Miller’s arrival has helped balance the offence as well.
“He’s someone we can lean on offensively and (Dylan) Latty’s line (with Carson Eden and Jenkins) is a very good defensive line and two-way line,” Barnes said. “Now they can kind of slot in properly and maybe play against the top line of the other team and concentrate on that.”
Miller, who had 20 goals and 38 points in 34 games for the Meteors, is enjoying his role.
“It’s an amazing feeling being the guy. That’s why I wanted to come here. I had a lot of other options to go but this is why I came here,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of fun. The boys have welcomed me and we have a good coaching staff and we’re winning games.”
Miller is a shifty playmaker who skates well and has good vision.
“He’s got a lot of patience with the puck,” Barnes said. “He’s very smart and has a good hockey IQ. He reads the play where some guys might panic and throw it away. He holds on to it for an extra second and then makes a play where he can find a streaking Neumann going down the wing.”
Miller is now on his third team in three years and would like to put down some roots in Thorold.
“I think this is the place to do it. It’s the place to settle down and get comfortable and play my game,” he said. “A lot of personal things are better here. I want to bring my game to the next level and I think this is the place to do it.”
Miller, who was selected in fifth round (98th overall) by Erie Otters in 2017 OHL U18 Draft, is a Brock business co-op student. He’s already looking forward to the playoffs.
“We definitely have underdog status but with the new additions to our lineup we can make a good push and run this year and we’re built for next year too.”
The Hawks, 16-18-2-2, are home to Hamilton Thursday and in Pelham Sunday afternoon.
Barnes, too, is gearing up for the playoffs.
“We’ve know we’re going to finish in fifth since October so the standings aren’t what we’ve been worried about,” he said.
The Hawks will get rugged defenceman Pat McCluskey back this week. The 20-year-old has been out most of the season injured. As well, free agent forward Riley Sutherland will be making his Thorold debut.
“We will bring a lot of speed and scoring to the lineup,” Barnes said. “Thursday will be the first day where we will have the lineup we have been envisioning for the last month. We’re really excited to see it happen.”
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