Carson Miller arrived at the Sydney Bears joining elite company. Fellow forward imports Adam Kadlec and Lucas Herrmann have been tearing up the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) since their arrivals.
Both Kadlec and Herrmann sit first and second respectively on the AIHL Points Leader Board.
Miller, who hails from Saskatchewan, Canada, has fit in seamlessly at the Bears who are currently the best team in the AIHL.
“I have been nothing [but] excited since I made plans to come over here, and since it was all set up,” Miller told Hockey Hype Australia.
“So, what a cool place. What a cool organisation. I’m lucky enough to be welcomed in with a great team here and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Like many who travel to Australia to play hockey during the North American off season, the age old question is always asked “did you know about the AIHL”.
However, Miller did hear word about the league down under through friends and it piqued the Canadians’ interest.
“Not entirely,” continued Miller. “I guess at the start of this season, I heard a few buddies are playing over here and I just asked how they got the opportunity.
“I just wanted to hear more about what they were doing and I was actually planning out for next season when I heard about the opportunity.”
Miller burst onto the scene with a six point (two goals, four assists) debut against the Melbourne Ice during week 12 of the AIHL.
Furthermore, after three games the forward has 10 points (four goals, six assists) putting up points in each game played.
“I think it just says a lot about how welcoming these guys here [are], how much trust they have [in me],” said Miller.
“I mean one was a tip, a tap in [against Ice], and then five assists so you know it takes a lot of other guys to make that happen and it was just a good night for me.”
Getting Miller for the stretch run of the 2024 AIHL season is a major boost for the Hellyer Conference leading Bears.
Miller looks set to return for the 2025 season once schooling and commitments are sorted.
“I’m figuring out what’s best for me for school here, I still have a few semesters left to finish my degree,” continued Miller.
“But yeah, I couldn’t be happier with Sydney, the organisation, and the group of guys.
“Looking forward for things to come.”
It’s not often players get to win championships, some of the greatest players in hockey never lifted the Stanley Cup.
Australia’s Goodall Cup has a long history in the sport and Miller has stepped right into a contender.
Something that isn’t lost on the 24-year-old former Prince Albert Raiders and Victoria Royals player.
“I think, you know, as a player you don’t get so many opportunities to win a championship,” said Miller.
“So yeah, the group of guys we have here, it’s really a special group, is going to be a special year and I look forward to things to come through the rest of the season.”
Canadian Connection
It’s no secret Canadians have played a major role in promoting the sport of hockey across the globe.
Australia is no different when it comes to the impact that Canada has had on the local game. Something that is special for Miller too.
“Absolutely. It’s cool to see, you know, how just we’re all connected in the hockey world,” Miller said with a smile.
“Doesn’t matter where you play, the game connects people and that really just makes it a special thing for life.
“You know, you only play hockey for so many years. One day you’re going to get too old, but the friends you make they are all across the world and that’s what makes hockey such a special sport.”
A debut in a Canada Day themed sweater is a legacy and history that Miller is now part of.
Pulling on the special themed sweater takes Miller back to time as a kid growing up in Canada. A proudness you can clearly see on his face.
Family connections and drawing from the roots of life back in his home country highlights the meaning of these sweaters.
“Definitely it’s been huge,” Miller said proudly.
“You know, I think I’ve been skating since I was three. Just the sport all my friends played, that my brother played and that’s why I got into it.
“Huge part of my roots back home and what an opportunity for a sport to give me a chance to see the rest of the world. So, a very lucky person.”
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