New Providence Bruins defenseman Mitchell Miller comments after practice
The Bruins made a controversial move on Friday, signing 20-year-old Mitchell Miller to an entry-level contract.
Miller was a fourth-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes back during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The Coyotes later rescinded their pick after learning of Miller’s troubled past.
The new Bruins prospect admitted in an Ohio juvenile court for bullying a Black classmate who had development disabilities when he was 14.
Miller admitted he was tricked Isaiah Meyer-Crothers into licking a candy push pop. The defenseman and another classmate had wiped the candy in a bathroom urinal. Meyer-Crothers also accused Miller of using racial slurs around him.
Bruins under massive scrutiny over the signing of Mitchell Miller
Following Providence Bruins practice on Friday afternoon, New England Hockey Journal and NHL.com contributor Mark Divver spoke to Miller.
Divver asked if people would question Miller signing with Bruins and whether or not it was the right thing to do?
"I think it's a huge opportunity for me and the Bruins. Personally, I'm here to better myself off the ice with community stuff, diversity training and being in the community more.
"The Bruins have offered a lot for me to follow my path. I think I'll be able to help them on and off the ice."
Why did Miller choose to sign with Boston?
"When I came out to Boston and met with everyone from hockey operations, I sat down, I opened up about what I did and the stuff I want moving forward. I think they have the best resources for me and the stuff I want to do.”
The Boston Bruins have been dealing with massive backlash and scrutiny over the Miller signing. It’s clear the Ohio native is attempting to put his troubled past behind him, but that will be difficult especially since fans aren’t supportive of this move by the organization.
People in life deserve second chances, but with the report that the Bruins essentially asked Miller to apologize to the victim prior to signing doesn’t show he’s remorseful for his actions. Miller reportedly apologized to the victim through Instagram message.
If Miller would have been more public about his apology or did it face-to-face, the fan and media reaction might be different following the signing by the Bruins.
Miller will be with the Providence Bruins and it will be interesting to see how fans react to the new defenseman when he makes his AHL debut.
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