Grizzlys defenceman James Miller can enter next season at ease after committing to play for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats in 2017-18.
"It's going to be a pretty good year, not having to worry about pressures of schools watching me or trying to stand out. I can just worry about playing hockey," Miller said.
The 18-year-old is currently spending his off-season back home in Spruce Grove, finishing high school and looking for a summer job.
It's not often players land athletic scholarships with years to spare in junior hockey, said Grizzlys head coach Dana Lattery.
Lattery said those who do can respond two ways: with increased focus or complacency.
He's confident Miller will fall into the former category and will benefit from not having to worry about what comes after his AJHL career.
"I think that happens earlier nowadays because of social media and everybody is finding out about everyone else and what everyone else is doing. Kids are always just trying to get there as fast as possible and not let nature take its course," he said.
Miller was drafted by the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL when he was 14 years old. Not knowing about the NCAA option, he thought about following in the footsteps of his older brother Ryley, who played in Major Junior and went on to have a professional career in Europe.
"My brother played in the 'Dub; all his friends did, so I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. I played junior and got talking to Latts and the NCAA seemed really good. That's why I chose that; school and playing hockey."
Miller has been with the Grizzlys two seasons now. He scored five goals and recorded 16 assists in 50 regular season games this year, as a top-pairing defenceman.
"It's going to be a pretty good year, not having to worry about pressures of schools watching me or trying to stand out. I can just worry about playing hockey."JAMES MILLERGRIZZLYS DEFENCEMAN
