Sports

Jacobs Grad Hoping to Score Division I Hockey Scholarship

Eventually Andy Miller is aiming to play with the professionals in the NHL.

When graduate Andy Miller began playing hockey, his parents probably had a better chance of winning the lottery than he did of becoming an NHL player.

But after a lot of hard work and dedication, Miller is hoping all those hours in the rink are going to pay off. He’s anticipating landing a hockey scholarship at a Division I school this fall, which ultimately will lead him to play with the professionals.

Miller is an assistant captain with the Chicago Steel, an elite junior hockey program in the United States part of the U.S. Hockey League. All the players are between the ages of 16 and 20 and are competing for the chance to earn a scholarship, as well as becoming an NHL prospect or draft pick. There are 164 U.S. Hockey League alumni in the NHL.

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Although Miller did not play hockey for Jacobs High School, he decided as a freshman that it was something he wanted to pursue professionally. He remembers being at an AAA game and witnessing the players’ skill level and passion. It resonated with him, so he went for it.

He said his parents, Andrew and Maria, of West Dundee, have been nothing short of encouraging.

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“They’ve supported me 100 percent,” Miller said.

It is likely Miller will land one of those prestigious scholarships. He leads the club with nine goals and is second in points with 13. This October he had two consecutive games with hat tricks (scoring three goals).

While at this point, Miller isn’t sure which school he will be attending in the fall, he said he would like it to be either in Wisconsin or Michigan.


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