Pirates add Miller on ATO

Forward Drew Miller has signed an amateur tryout contract with the Portland Pirates, forgoing his senior year at Michigan State University and joining the Pirates as they continue their Atlantic Division final against Hartford on Thursday night.

Miller, 22, is the younger brother of Buffalo Sabres goaltender and two-time AHL All-Star Ryan Miller.

Miller, the 10th member of his family to play at MSU, was a sixth-round draft choice by the Mighty Ducks of anaheim in 2003. In 44 games during his junior season, Miller registered 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) and served as captain of the Spartans.

Miller was honored as the team’s most valuable player, and earned honors as the CCHA conference’s best defensive forward, leading Michigan State to the conference tournament championship and the East Regional final of the NCAA tournament.

In his addition to his excellence on the ice, Miller also left his mark on the community, earning the CCHA’s humanitarian award in 2005-06.