Miller ready for more after important OHL experience last season

DETROIT -- When Landon Miller met with the media after being selected No. 126 overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the goalie prospect confirmed it wasn’t the first time he’s donned the Winged Wheel.

A native of Barrie, Ontario, Miller played for the Detroit Jr. Red Wings at the 2016 Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament as a 10-year-old.

“I was lucky enough to wear the Red Wings jersey there, so I have one of those in my closet as well,” Miller said. “I guess we’ll add another one to it.”

Miller spent the 2023-24 season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, posting a 17-6-2 record with a 2.79 goals-against average, .889 save percentage and two shutouts in 30 regular-season games. The 6-foot-5, 193-pound netminder also recorded a victory in one relief appearance during the 2024 OHL Playoffs, stopping all eight shots he faced in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Guelph Storm.

“It was exciting to be part of a good team and have a good run,” Miller said. “It was exciting to learn from some of the older guys and get my feet wet in the (OHL) to really see what I can do.”

Miller credits Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis and head coach John Dean with helping him gain confidence and feel more comfortable as a young goaltender in the OHL.

“They haven’t rushed me into anything,” Miller said. “They’ve really taken their time with me, and I think it’s paid dividends. I love it there. They are two great guys who mean a lot to my development and where I am today.”

Miller also said Greyhounds goaltending coach Mark Visentin, who was the Arizona Coyotes’ first-round pick (27th overall) in 2010, has played an integral role in his development.

“There’s not much in the game that (Visentin) hasn’t been through,” Miller said. “I get to learn from him and learn from some of his mistakes as well as things he’s told me. It’s pretty cool to pick his brain and be able to understand the position and the game a little bit more.”

Off the ice, Miller said he loves being part of and representing the Sault St. Marie community.

“The people are so nice,” Miller said. “We mean everything to them and they mean everything to us. It’s a great community.”