Ryan Miller grew up idolizing Dominik Hasek, and after he was signed by the Buffalo Sabers in 2002, he could only cross his fingers that one day his name and number would end up high up in the KeyBank Center.
Not only did Miller’s dream come true on Thursday night, but his sideline tribute to the New York Islanders game included a video of Hasek, from the Czech Republic, welcoming him to the select group of Sabers.
“Ryan, I’m honored to be part of your party. As keepers, we know what the position requires. All eyes are on us, Hasek remarked. I’m proud of the history we both wrote in this city, in front of these fans. ”
The Sabers players then managed to underline the celebrations, winning 3-2 in overtime on a net from Dylen Cozens, after only 12 seconds of play.
Taking on the starting goalie role at Buffalo in 2005, four years after Hasek was traded to Detroit, Miller established himself as one of the NHL’s best during his decade with the team.
“I’m honored to receive such kind words from him,” said Miller, who wore Hasek’s No. 39 during his NCAA career at Michigan State before changing to No. 30 after being a 5th round pick of the Sabers in 1999.
Miller shattered some of Hasek’s records, and remains No. 1 in wins (284), games played (540) and wins in a season (41).
Across his 18-season Bettman League career, Miller has 391 wins with four different organizations, earning him the No. 1 spot among American goaltenders.
Now 42, Miller announced his retirement after four seasons in Anaheim. He also played for the St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks.
In 2006 and 2007, he led the Sabers to back-to-back Eastern Finals appearances, which Buffalo lost both times.
He then had a remarkable 2009-2010 season, winning the Vezina Trophy in addition to being the Vancouver Olympics’ MVP, which was central to the Americans’ silver medal harvest.
