PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Midway through last season, Steve Miller departed the University of Denver hockey program after 20 years as assistant/associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. Sunday, the Providence assistant coach will oppose the Pioneers in the NCAA Tournament’s East Regional championship game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Fourth-seeded Providence took a 6-2 lead and held on to beat No. 1 Miami (Ohio) 7-5 in the second East Regional semifinal Saturday, following DU’s 5-2 victory over Boston College.
Miller was DU’s associate head coach under George Gwozdecky and his successor, Jim Montgomery — albeit the latter for just eight months after Gwozdecky was fired April 1, 2013.
Miller recruited and coached about 80 percent of DU’s current players, including the entire junior and senior classes. He was Gwozdecky’s top assistant during DU’s 2004 and 2005 NCAA championship runs.
“I’ve had a heck of a ride with these guys (the Friars), but you know my relationship with the DU guys,” Miller said. “It’s special. I want the best for those boys. I’m happy we both made it to the (East) final.”
The Friars and Pioneers are both 23-13-2 this season.
