If you’re looking for a player on the verge of a breakout season, look no further than Tommy Miller of Hill-Murray. The junior defenseman is part of a loaded Hill-Murray blueline that promises to be one of the top units in the state this season, and Tommy will be a big reason why.
Miller has great size and plays with an assertiveness and urgency to his game, while balancing these assets with great patience. He has a quick stick that he uses to disrupt plays and clears pucks to safety under stress. The late-2007 DOB has shown that he can move bodies from in front of the net and wins a high percentage of puck battles on the boards thanks to his aggressiveness.
A skill that continues to progress is his footwork and ability to use his feet to track players. In a recent viewing at the Map South Prep Preview Showcase he displayed clean and powerful movements and agility, showing quick feet while defending one-on-one against nimble opponents. Miller was always a step ahead of the play and showed nice elimination tactics of potential threats. There was no panic in his game, instead letting his skill and training do the work.
Miller has big potential and this season he will prove it.