After seven years in the National Hockey League, Boston Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller announced his retirement Wednesday. He made the announcement in a lengthy Instagram post, in which he thanked family and fans for support.
>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<
“No one gets to where they are without help and that’s certainly the case for me,” Miller said. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to play for some great coaches and mentors that have molded and shaped me as a player and person. On top of that I’ve had some people step up in a big way to train on and off the ice, to rehab me after injuries and pick me up when things weren’t going my way. Thank you to each and every one of you.”
View this post on Instagram
Miller had a successful career in the league with Boston, finishing with 71 points through 352 games. He also held a career plus/minus rating of 79.
Throughout his time in the NHL, Miller also faced a number of roadblocks, mainly with injuries. In April 2019, he broke his kneecap. A second injury to the same kneecap later that year forced Miller to miss the entire 2019-20 season.
This injury would continue to cause issues during the 2020-21 season. Following a game on Feb. 18, Miller proceeded to miss more than a month and a half of action, returning to the ice April 6.
Despite all the injuries, Miller credited God with helping him overcome them. On May 10, Miller told the Boston Herald that he rested in the truth that God was in control.
“It’s something that I lean on a lot and just knowing it’s kind of out of my hands at this point,” Miller said. “I’m going to do what I can to get back, work hard, do the right things rehab-wise. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. If it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be. I found some solace in that, that if it’s meant for me to get back playing hockey, then that’s God’s plan. If it’s not, it’s not. That helped me.”
A joy to play with. A terror to play against. Hats off to a great career Millsy! #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/Ph0546rlwZ
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 14, 2021
Miller lists “Christian” as the first item in his Instagram bio.
In his retirement post, the 33-year-old acknowledged that his physical wellbeing played a factor in his retirement.
“Although my spirit for the game is there, unfortunately my body isn’t,” Miller said. “My overall health and my family are now the priority. This was not an easy decision but it’s time to hang up my skates.”
On the same day Boston lost one of its defenders, it locked up another one for six more years. The Bruins gave 24-year-old Brandon Carlo a six-year contract extension. Boston has advanced to the playoffs each of the past five seasons, but fell in the second round each of the past two years.
RELATED STORIES:
— Blues honor former captain David Backes in likely final game in St. Louis
— MAGAZINE: The Boston Bruins Are Building Brotherhood Through Bible Study
— Fallen NHL player Colby Cave remembered by his wife, Emily Cave
— Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen steps into new role with faith
— Ducks defenseman Josh Manson balances aggressiveness as he grows in his faith
