USHL selects renounced NHL draft pick for two major awards this season

The United States Hockey League (USHL) has set off a fire storm on social media after announcing the winner of the league's Player of the Year and Defenceman of the Year awards. The winner of both is Mitchell Miller, who was picked 111th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2020 and then renounced a few months later.

Miller had a big year offensively with the Tri-City Storm. He put up 83 points (39G, 44A) in 60 regular season games. He added another five points in five games in the playoffs. Clearly, the choice isn't controversial due to a lack of offensive talent. It's his past that has gotten Miller in trouble and has upset a lot of people.

In 2016, Miller and a classmate were found delinquent in an Ohio juvenile court on charges of assault and a violation of the Ohio Safe Schools Act. The pair were accused and found guilty of forcing a developmentally disabled African American classmate, Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, to eat a piece of candy that they had wiped along the inside of a urinal, repeated bullying of Meyer-Crothers, and repeatedly calling him the n-word. Surveillance video also captured them kicking and punching Meyer-Crothers. Those incidents resurfaced after Miller was chosen by the Coyotes. The team initially defended their choice, saying they were hoping to help Miller grow and become a leader against bullying and racism. However, the fact that Miller had never personally apologized to the victim, but did send a letter to every NHL team involved in the draft saying he was sorry for his actions didn't sit well with a lot of people. The Coyotes eventually renounced the pick and Miller was dropped from the University of North Dakota hockey team, although he did continue to study at the school. After some time had passed, the Tri-City Storm announced his signing.

Many responses to the league's announcement of Miller's two awards refer to the USHL as "a joke" and attempting to "duck accountability." The USHL reminded people that winners are chosen by the GMs of USHL teams once their own team nominates them.

League awards are voted on by each Member Club's General Manager after each Club nominates their players for awards.— USHL (@USHL) May 31, 2022

Are you seriously trying to duck accountability here?— z - Pokecheque 🇺🇦🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@Pokecheque) May 31, 2022

so what you're saying is that the lack of awareness as to why this was a terrible idea and message to send about your league is widespread at high, important levels in your league?— mitch marney (@marnylandersen) May 31, 2022

So we should toss the whole USHL in the trash, ok thanks for clarifying, the USHL— can't spell passion without ass (@mostlyleafies) May 31, 2022

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