Fort Frances native Tyler Miller has been named coach of the year by Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), the governing body for all ice hockey in the region.
In a Facebook post on the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association’s page, the organization notes that
Miller is a product of the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association (FFMHA), and the recognition celebrates how much he has given back to the organization that helped him get to where he is now, the FFMHA said on social media.
For his part, Miller says he was somewhat surprised to receive the honour from HNO, which is comprised of hundreds of teams and thousands of players across the region.
“It was a shock to win the award,” he said. “I didn’t really even know there was an award out there; I’m just thankful to win it. I’m sure there’s some great people that have won it, and I’m thankful to be a part of that.”
Miller played Junior A hockey after high school before going on to a collegiate hockey career at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota, from which he earned a Bachelor of Education. He would later return to Fort Frances, where he became a teacher and then school administrator.
Miller coached in the minor hockey system before helping out with the Fort Frances High School Muskies as well as the Jr. A Fort Frances Lakers, finally making a return to the minor hockey ranks to coach his own kids.
Last season, Miller coached the U11 AA Fort Frances Canadians and will continue with that team this year. He said he’s enjoyed getting back to the younger age group, helping kids learn the game while still having fun.
“It’s been good to step back into minor hockey,” Miller said. “It’s a crazy hockey world out there. You’re seeing a bunch of young kids and the different paths people take, and you just want them all to love the game and have fun. I think the stat is that 0.001 per cent make the NHL or something like that. So you just create a fun atmosphere for the kids on the ice and in dryland and any team-building activities, and just make it fun because that’s the most important part.”
For Miller, it’s about teaching players skills that will help them even beyond hockey, as so few will continue playing the game beyond high school or university.
“You have lifelong friendships, and you know you want to teach these young kids to be great leaders themselves. Hockey gives you that chance to teach them those skills in life, and you know when you have them, you hope when they leave your program or whatever, they’re better off, as hockey players, but more importantly, better off great young men.”
The Facebook post from FFMHA said that Miller does just that.
“His experience as both a high‑level athlete and an educator shaped his coaching philosophy: development first, compete always and make the game fun,” the post said. “Today, Tyler has returned home and dedicated himself fully to the FFMHA, giving back to the same program that raised him. His teams have earned multiple HNO championships, but more importantly, they continue to grow, compete, and enjoy the game.”
Miller was also one of the proponents of the Fort Frances AAA Junior Lakers spring hockey program which has grown from one team to multiple divisions over the last three years.
In the post announcing the award, HNO noted Miller’s positive impact on FFMHA players.
“Tyler was nominated for the impact he has made on young athletes in Fort Frances, building confidence, fostering growth and teaching values that extend well beyond the rink,” the organization wrote. “His commitment to local player development also led him to establish the Jr. Lakers spring hockey program, which has grown from a single division into a multi-division program in just three years, creating more opportunities for young players to develop, compete and build friendships close to home.”
