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As summer came to an end, Hannah Miller boarded a flight to Calgary, excited for Hockey Canada’s orientation camp. At 29 years old, she was returning to the Canadian senior national hockey team, a prestigious opportunity that had eluded her for years.
Selected among 30 players contending for a spot on the Olympic team, the excitement of competing with the best in women’s hockey was tangible.
“It’s a rare opportunity to train alongside such talented players,” Miller stated in a recent interview in Toronto.
She highlighted the intensity of the training camps and the necessity of valuing each drill, saying, “Every moment on the ice offers a chance to learn and grow.”
Challenges and setbacks
Despite her enthusiasm, uncertainty loomed large. Just six months earlier, Miller had been named to represent Canada at the world championships, marking a significant return to the national stage after over a decade.
However, her hopes were dashed when the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) ruled her ineligible. Having played for the Chinese Olympic team, including participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics, Miller faced unexpected hurdles.
Miller reflected on her disappointment, stating, “It was a tough pill to swallow.” She had worked hard to earn her spot and looked forward to competing in the Czech Republic.
“Getting that call-up was an honor, and I was excited about the chance to contribute to the team’s success.”
Eligibility issues
Initially, it appeared Miller’s eligibility would be resolved after completing a two-year waiting period since her last game with the Chinese team.
However, complications arose due to a specific clause regarding player transfers. Canadian general manager Gina Kingsbury clarified that while Miller sought reinstatement to her home country, IIHF regulations complicated the process. “We are navigating a gray area in the bylaws,” she explained.
“We need to determine if this situation constitutes a transfer or a reinstatement.”
With Hockey Canada appealing the IIHF’s decision, Miller now prepares for a team that she may not be officially allowed to join. “I can’t control everything,” she acknowledged. “I made decisions based on the opportunities available to me at the time, and now I’m focusing on taking things day by day.”
A winding path to success
Hannah Miller’s hockey journey has not followed a conventional route. In addition to her time in China, she also played in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL), showcasing her determination to play at a high level. Drafted by the Toronto team in the 13th round of the inaugural PWHL draft, she quickly became a standout player.
Last season, Miller had an impressive performance, finishing as the second-highest scorer for her team with 24 points over 29 games. Her versatility on the ice is notable; she excels in various roles, whether penalty killing, scoring during power plays, or adjusting her positioning based on her coach’s strategy. This adaptability earned her a spot at the Olympic training camp, despite lingering questions about her eligibility.
Enduring opportunities
“We are committed to supporting her throughout this process, and hopefully, she will become eligible soon,” Kingsbury stated, emphasizing the organization’s willingness to work through these challenges. The landscape of women’s hockey has evolved, with the PWHL providing a platform for players like Miller to showcase their skills later in their careers.
Miller’s perspective reflects this shift; “Looking back, I just wanted to keep playing hockey, no matter the circumstances. Now, at 29, I can see my dedication and the different paths I’ve taken are paying off.”
“It’s a rare opportunity to train alongside such talented players,” Miller stated in a recent interview in Toronto. She highlighted the intensity of the training camps and the necessity of valuing each drill, saying, “Every moment on the ice offers a chance to learn and grow.”0
“It’s a rare opportunity to train alongside such talented players,” Miller stated in a recent interview in Toronto. She highlighted the intensity of the training camps and the necessity of valuing each drill, saying, “Every moment on the ice offers a chance to learn and grow.”1
“It’s a rare opportunity to train alongside such talented players,” Miller stated in a recent interview in Toronto. She highlighted the intensity of the training camps and the necessity of valuing each drill, saying, “Every moment on the ice offers a chance to learn and grow.”2
