Sixteen-year-old Ryan Miller is passionate about playing ice hockey and especially when he puts on his goaltender pads and mask.
"Once I had an opportunity to play goaltender in youth hockey when I was about 9 or 10 and put on the pads, I never wanted to play another position and never wanted to touch another stick; I was in it for the long term," noted Miller, now a two-year starting goalie for the Cheshire High School boys hockey team.
The Rams will try and defend its CIAC Division II championship Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. at Quinnipiac University's M&T Bank Arena in Hamden.
But as much as he loves his sport, Miller is also passionate about aviation and his ultimate career pursuit of being an airline pilot.
How much does he love flying?
When his teammates were enjoying a banquet for the six state finalists at the Tournament Players Club at River Highlands in Cromwell last Thursday, Miller was absent because he was at a training session at Meriden Markham Municipal Airport.
Miller has been unable to train and study as he had hoped in recent months, and the past two weeks, at the Meriden facility explaining to his instructor that he needed "to buckle down" in preparing for the Rams' postseason push.
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But noted once the season ends next week, Miller will be back to his regular weekday two-hour technical sessions and his normal Sunday afternoon time slot.
He currently has about 40 hours of flight time, and is set on working on his solo flight sometime this spring with the goal of earning his pilot's license by his 17th birthday in July.
"That would be a great birthday present, actually the best one I could think of," said Miller.
"I know some people who started later in life who got their pilot license," he said. "I decided to start earlier in life, but I am not rushing the process. I will enjoy every minute of the entire experience,"
What does he like about being out in the open skies?
"When I get into the plane and roll down that little window and you get that rush of air, it's the best feeling in the world," said Miller. "I just have a desire to fly out in the open skies."
As early as he began playing hockey, Miller's desire for aviation was seen when he would go to Bradley Airport before leaving for family vacations.
"Before our flights, I would go right to the window and be mesmerized by watching the planes take off and wonder how big, metal objects like that could fly," he said. "I just wanted to learn as much I could. There were days that I would ask my older sister Elizabeth or my parents (Maureen and Daniel) to drive me to the airport just to watch the planes take off and land. It was so exciting."
Miller said over the years he would enjoy watching the movie Top Gun with Tom Cruise and his subsequent movie Maverick with his family and marvel over the precision and ability displayed by military pilots.
When Miller turned 15 in 2023, he began going to Meriden's facility for their flight program training.
"It's been hard to balance school, hockey and flying, but it's something that I want to do so I find a way," he said.
As for his hockey pursuits, Miller played club hockey for the Connecticut Chiefs during his freshman year before joining the high school team a year later.
That turned out to be a good move for Miller and the Rams, who captured the 2024 state title with a win over East Haven co-op.
The 5-foot-10, 145-pounder Miller said his ability to track the puck has improved as well as his anticipation. He felt his skating and agility were always a strength.
"I square myself to the puck and react rather than guess," he said.
Miller has gotten even better this season, says his teammates.
"Ryan keeps us in games," said Cheshire junior defenseman Charlie Golden. "Against Amity in the semifinals, Ryan stood us his head. His great play was a key factor in us being in this position again."
What is his personality like?
"Ryan is a real funny kid, but once he touches the ice, he dials it in," said Cheshire defenseman Michael Bulger. "He's such a humble kid who always puts the team first. It's amazing to see."
To which teammate Devin Kelly chimed in "Ryan is just a hardworking, determined player. We all have a lot of trust in him, and he has the trust in all of us."
Miller credited Kelly, Bulger, Golden and Liam O'Dea, the Rams' leaders with improving his confidence.
"They have a special place in my heart," said Miller. "Liam blocks so many shots and puts his body on the line. Charlie is the best player I've seen the way he makes big hits, but is then able to still make a big rush up the ice. His effort is amazing."
Miller is so thankful to be a part of this program.
"Honestly the past two seasons has been the most fun I've had playing," added Miller. "The bonds I have with all my boys is just crazy. We all preach team goals, not personal ones. That's made it so special."