Miller returns to Aces

When Miller sat down for his end-of-season meeting with then-coach Keith McCambridge shortly after the Aces lost in Game 7 of the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals in early June, what began as an exit interview developed into a revolving door.

"I told Keith, 'Look, I don't want to go anywhere,' '' Miller recalled. "I'm not interested in going to Europe yet -- maybe a few years down the line.

"I said, 'If you guys want me back, I'm here.' He said, 'Let's do it.' ''

The Aces on Tuesday announced Miller, 26, as their third signing for the 2009-10 ECHL season.

New coach Brent Thompson, who took over last month when McCambridge accepted an assistant coaching job with Manitoba of the American Hockey League, knows what he's getting in Miller. Miller attended training camp with AHL Peoria the last two seasons, when Thompson was an assistant coach for the Rivermen, and played three games for the club last season.

"He's a good piece of our puzzle in trying to get back to the Finals,'' Thompson said. "I know him, and I like what he brings to the table.''

Miller last season finished seventh among ECHL defensemen in scoring with 10-30--40 totals in 61 regular-season games. His power-play scoring line of 5-21--26 also ranked fourth among league blueliners.

Miller, a fifth-year pro, joins two players who have already signed with the Aces -- winger Scott Burt, the team's captain, and former Aces and UAA winger Justin Johnson, who returned to the club in a trade with Cincinnati.

Miller said the quality of the Aces organization made his decision to return easy.

"I tell every one of my friends who I've played with or against, 'If you're in this league, you want to be here,' '' Miller said. "The way they treat you, the fan support and the support from the ownership, the arena - the whole package is comparable with most AHL places.''

Miller first played for the Aces in 2007-08, but was limited to 24 games by a season-ending injury that prompted his fourth shoulder surgery. He played a full season in 2008-09, logging those 61 games with the Aces, three with Peoria and six with AHL Providence. He played in all 21 Aces playoff games, too.

"Having a full year healthy is reinforcing I can stay healthy and be productive,'' Miller said. "It was good for my own confidence.

"I don't think I had to prove anything, except to improve my now spirit.''

Thompson said he foresees Miller logging heavy ice time and being instrumental to the power play.

"He's going to have to play a lot of minutes, and play well, for us to be successful,'' Thompson said.

Find Doyle Woody's blog at adn.com/hockeyblog or call him at 257-4335.