ICERAYS TENDER T1EHL CENTER BRENDAN MILLER

Apr 12, 2015

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce the signing of center Brendan Miller of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres from the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) to a tender contract for the 2015-16 season. Miller is the eighth and final tender heading into next season, which helps to set more roster spots ahead of the 2015 NAHL Draft in June.

“We are excited to add another Buffalo kid to our group,” said IceRays head coach John Becanic. “Brendan’s character and all-around game are exactly what we are looking for with our last tender.”

“I’m really excited,” said Miller. “[Scout] Mike Mondoux told me that it’s a nice place to play with a great atmosphere, how coach Becanic works and runs the team, and how I can improve my abilities. It just sounds like an awesome place to play.”

Miller, 18, completed his third and final season with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in the T1EHL, recording 30 goals and 27 assists for 57 points with 32 penalty minutes in 68 total games including tournaments and T1EHL league play. He finished tied for second on the team in scoring, third in goals, and tied for fourth in assists while helping the Jr. Sabres to a New York State Championship at the outset of March. The North Tanawanda, N.Y., native is an all-around forward that takes pride in his own defensive zone play but also loves making plays and helping his linemates improve on the ice. Miller also has a connection with co-tender Michael Bevilacqua, who signed his contract in December. His captain’s influence helped him commit to Corpus Christi next season as did the prospect of having a good friend to adjust to the NAHL with.

“We’re good friends. We’ve played together for four or five years now. He’s a great kid to be friends with, a great teammate, and has a good family. He’s one of those kids that’ll do anything for you. It’ll good to play with him again.”

The IceRays have completed their tender list for the 2015-16 season, which includes the two Jr. Sabres products Bevilacqua and Miller as well as forwards Nicholas Bortolotto (NAPHL), Andrew McGlynn (NA3HL), Jimmy O’Brien (HPHL), and Landon Quinney (NAPHL) and defensemen Shane Kelly and Chaz Thomas (T1EHL). The eight skaters will join the returning members of this season’s squad at IceRays Main Camp in July.

“The overall character and talent of this group is very intriguing,” added Becanic. “Our scouting staff has done an outstanding job, and I can’t wait to get Brendan and his future teammates on the ice together.”

The 2015 IceRays Pre-Draft Camp begins Friday, May 29 from the Taylor Sportsplex in Taylor, Mich. to prepare for the 2015-16 season. Get more information on camp details and stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), and Vine (@goicerays).

Cover Photo: Dan Hickling, Hickling Images (danhickling9@gmail.com or @DanHickling)