Anchorage Daily News

Bryan Miller, the offensively talented defenseman who furnished the Alaska Aces with some bang on the blue line before enduring a season-ending shoulder injury last December, has signed to return to the team this season.

The ECHL hockey club announced the signing Tuesday.

Miller, 25, racked up 5-13—18 totals and a +4 rating in 24 games before injuring his right shoulder in a Dec. 21 game at Victoria. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Miller, was hit from behind by Victoria center Kiel McLeod (6-6, 235), who subsequently landed on Miller’s back as the defenseman fell to the ice. Miller underwent surgery Jan. 2.

The surgery was Miller’s fourth shoulder procedure. He has undergone two surgeries on each shoulder.

Miller was selected to play in the ECHL All-Star Game, but sat out because that event came one month after his injury. Before his injury, Miller played in all situations for the Aces.

Alaska coach Keith McCambridge, speaking by cell phone from Winnipeg on Tuesday, said he believes Miller will give the club a strong presence on the power play

“I look for him to come in and quarterback the power play, be solid in his own zone and exploit our big ice at Sullivan Arena,’’ McCambridge said.

Miller on Tuesday said he is completely recovered and ready to roll.

“I can kind of gauge it on how I’ve bounced back before (following surgery), and I feel great,’’ Miller said. “It almost feels stronger because it has been put back together.’’

The Aces previously announced the signings of forwards Brett and Colin Hemingway and Scott Burt, and defenseman Derick Martin. Brett Hemingway and Martin are returners from last season, and Colin Hemingway played her briefly a few seasons ago. Burt, a veteran, will double as McCambridge’s assistant coach.

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