Star U.S. Olympic goalie played junior in Michigan Soo

The outstanding Team U.S.A. goaltender Canada must beat tomorrow to claim Olympic gold played junior hockey for two years across the river.

Ryan Miller came north from East Lansing, MI to join the Soo Indians of the North American Hockey League in 1997 and stayed until 1999.

An excellent student, he graduated from Sault Area High School while he was in these parts.

Miller went on to play with the Michigan State University Spartans of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

As a Spartan, he returned to the Michigan Soo to face the Lake Superior State University Lakers, a CCHA rival.

While at MSU, Miller won the Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to college hockey's most outstanding player.

He also set an NCAA record for shutouts, recording 26.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Miller in the fifth round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and he became the club's number one goalie in 2006-07.

Last Sunday, Miller's 42 saves helped his team defeat Canada 5-3.