After patrolling the blueline at the Casman Centre the past four seasons, Fort McMurray Oil Barons captain Taner Miller will be heading to Grant MacEwan in the fall to suit up for the Griffins of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
“Definitely happy about where I’m going. They have a great hockey program and the schooling is good so it was pretty hard to say no,” said Miller.
Miller arrived in Fort McMurray at the start of the 2015-16 season, making the Barons as a 17 year old. The Lethbridge, AB native quickly became one the MOB’s most reliable and consistent players. During his first season, Miller scored five goals and 22 points in 57 games in a year that saw the rebuilding Oil Barons win just 10 games.
His next three seasons in Fort McMurray were a little different as the MOB consistently battled near the top of the North Division including back to back 40 win seasons and a trip to the AJHL North Final.
Miller continued to round out his game and had three straight 40 point seasons including a career high 11 goals and 46 points this past season. Not only could Miller contribute on both sides of the puck and log big minutes but maybe his biggest strength was his durability. In four seasons, Miller played a remarkable 234 regular season games. He only missed six games.
In total, Miller played 265 career regular season and playoff games in the blue and gold. He scored 38 goals and 169 points. He finished his career as one of the franchise leaders in games played, assists and points.
“There’s no doubt that Taner will be remembered as a model Oil Baron for years to come,” said Oil Barons Head Coach/GM Tom Keca. “On the ice, Taner is a reliable two-way defenceman with strong leadership qualities. While off the ice, he is the complete team player and one of the nicest individuals you will ever meet.”
After being an assistant captain for two seasons, Miller was named captain in his final year and helped guide a young team and a very young blueline. After bowing out in the second round of the AJHL playoffs, Miller says it will be tough to say good-bye to the city he has called home the last four years.
“I think it will sink in a little bit more when next season starts and I’m not playing here (Fort McMurray) anymore but I loved my time here and it definitely helped change who I am. I hope I helped out the community as much as I could (during my time here) and it will be weird next year not playing for the Barons,” said Miller.
The 20 year old was named a finalist this season for the league’s Most Dedicated Player Award. Miller was also awarded the 2019 Inter Pipeline AJHL Scholarship, which is awarded to one AJHL player based on their proven qualities in the areas of leadership, sportsmanship, dedication and citizenship.
Miller will join a very good Griffin team next season. Grant MacEwan won their third straight ACAC title in March, defeating the NAIT Ooks for a third straight year in the final.
“The coaches were very honest and I like that about them. They have some new guys coming in and some guys are staying but they said it doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a senior, if you’re good enough you’re going to play,” said Miller on what the coaches have told him about his role next season.
Miller plans to take a Bachelor of Science degree while at Grant MacEwan and then continue on with his education.
