Press Box

Augusta, GA—The Augusta RiverHawks Professional Hockey Club, proud member of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and 2011-12 Coffey Trophy Champions, announced Monday afternoon that the Organization has selected Rob Miller to take the helm behind the bench for the upcoming 2012-13 campaign, filling the empty spot left by former coach Brad Ralph.

Mark Richards, RiverHawks’ President, offered his comments, “We are thrilled to have Rob join the RiverHawks’ family. We are extremely confident in his ability to continue the success we have enjoyed on the ice through our first two seasons in the CSRA.”

Miller, 33, comes to Augusta via the Federal Hockey League (FHL) where spent the last two seasons coaching the Brooklyn Aviators. He led the Team to a regular-season championship (32-13-2) and to the Finals during the inaugural 2010-11 season. The run was highlighted by a record-breaking 21-game winning streak, thus awarding Miller with Coach of the Year honors.

During the 2011-12 season, Miller achieved another post-season berth with the Aviators, posting a 26-19-5 record. Previously, Miller served as head coach of the now-defunct Eastern Professional Hockey League’s (EPHL) Brooklyn Aces for the 2009-10 season. Over his three seasons as Head Coach, Miller has been responsible for advancing over 20 players to higher levels. Prior to his professional coaching career, Miller coached at the Junior A level in Massachusetts.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the RiverHawks’ organization and am looking at this upcoming season with great optimism,” commented Miller.

In addition to successes in the role of Head Coach, the Morristown, NJ native played five years of professional hockey from 2002-2009, as a defenseman, where he won the President’s Cup Championship as a member of the Knoxville Ice Bears of the SPHL in 2006. Miller played his college hockey at both New Hampshire College and Salem State College.

"Rob has taken his teams to the playoffs every year he has been a head coach and has a championship pedigree both as a player and a coach. We fully expect his hard work to continue in Augusta and provide our fans with a championship contender," remarked Richards.

     Additional information on the Team and tickets is available on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustariverhawks.com or by calling 706-993-2645.

Career Highlights and Background Information

PERSONAL FILE

• Hometown: Morristown, NJ
• Wife Melissa
• Currently resides in New York City, relocating to the CSRA
• Born April 12, 1979

COACHING CAREER

• Spent two years with the Brooklyn Aviators (Federal 'A' Hockey League) as Head Coach and President; one year with Brooklyn Aces (EPHL)
• Miller guided Brooklyn to the FHL Finals during the 2010-11 season.
• Captured the FHL Regular season title with a 32-13-2 mark.  
• 2010-11 FHL "Coach of the Year Award"
• Led the Aviators to a 21-game winning streak.  
• Another postseason berth during the 2011-12 season with a 26-19-5 record.
• Moved close to a dozen players to the higher levels.  
• Coached at the Junior A level in Massachusetts before joining the Aviators organization.  

PLAYING CAREER

• Played five years of professional hockey from '02-'09 as a Defenseman.
• Successful collegiate hockey career at both New Hampshire College and Salem Sate College (NCAA),
• Played in the ACHL, WHA2, SEHL, SPHL, and EPHL.
• During the 05-06 season, Miller won a SPHL Championship with the Knoxville Ice Bears.  
• 222 career pro games
• 30 goals and 102 assists for 132 points.

HIGHLIGHTS
58-32-7 - Career FHL record
2010-11 FHL "Coach of the Year"
2010-11 FHL Regular Season Champions
21-Game winning streak during 2010-11 season
2010-11 League Finals
2011-12 Post-Season Berth
Two-time 20+ Wins as Coach
Moved over 20 players to higher levels
2005-2006 SPHL Champion (Knoxville)