Those native to Lansing know a thing or two about sports. Not only is the town home to sports fans and athletes alike, but it’s also the birthplace of some of the US’s most beloved sports heroes.
For those who tune in regularly to Fox47News’s Press Pass, which covers all sports-related news on a local and national level, one major part of life in Lansing is the nearby Michigan State University Spartans sports program. And, of course, it’s no secret that this is the birthplace of Magic Johnson.
Those who grew up in the area know where Magic lived, where he practiced basketball, and at which school he made his name as a promising up-and-coming player. And, who can forget, that it was the Lansing State Journal that dubbed Earvin Johnson Jr. Magic for the first time.
By the time Magic was ready to move out of Lansing in 1977, he’d been selected as an All-State player twice and was already considered one of the top basketballers to come out of Michigan. From there, his career only ballooned into something both mythic and inspiring.
However, Lansing is the birthplace of more than one star. In fact, the career of NHL goalie Ryan Miller, born only three years after Magic left for university, has been one of the NHL’s most prolific and successful goaltenders.
Sure, hunkering down in front of the goal on ice may not be as glamorous as seeing Magic feint across the court, but Miller’s career is also worthy of celebrating. Miller doesn’t currently have a statue in his honor, but that doesn't mean locals aren't ready to do it.
Ryan Magic Miller
Ryan Miller first made his name as a college athlete for Michigan State University, wearing a Spartan’s jersey just like Magic did two decades before. Much like Magic, Miller didn’t take long to start shattering records.
In 2001, he set an NCAA record in terms of career shutouts (26). This, along with a strong record of winning percentage, save percentage, goals against average, and shutouts, helped him to win the Hobey Baker Award in the same year.
However, Miller’s path after graduating from Michigan State University took a different path than Magic Johnson’s. Recently, Miller signed a one-year extension for his three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Barring a wrist injury in his first year, he seems to be at home on the West Coast. However, pundits who have been wagering with risk-free bets [foxbet.com] this NHL season know that Miller’s former team, the Vancouver Canucks, are a stronger franchise.
Though the Vegas Golden Knights recently eliminated them from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Canucks at least qualified. The Ducks, on the other hand, didn’t manage to make it to post-season play. But, for Miller, patience and dedication aren’t new.
Rather than head to the NHL after graduating from university, Miller headed to the American Hockey League. The AHL serves as the NHL’s developmental league. Though entirely professional, it’s a league that allows franchises to groom top players for the ‘big leagues’.
Miller spent two years with the Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate, the Rochester Americans. By 2005-06, Miller was the Sabres’ starting goaltender. That same year, he managed to lead the Sabres to a 30-game winning season that saw them in conference finals.
Only five years later, he’d managed to land a spot on the US Olympic team. Though pundits weren’t surprised to see Miller in a US jersey, few imagined he’d end up as the Olympic tournament’s MVP [nhl.com].
Not only that, but he also received one of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s biggest awards: best goaltender honors. To this day, Miller has more wins on his record than any other US-born hockey goaltender at 378 wins.
Heroes Never Quit: Lessons from Magic & Miller
Magic Johnson and Ryan Miller both exemplify what the public loves most about athletes: work ethic and passion. Miller comes from an illustrious line of hockey players that fostered his passion and helped develop him. However, he still had to put in his time with the AHL before advancing to the NHL.
Magic let his skill and prowess shine on the court in every game. And, at the same time, he faced a slew of social challenges that made pursuing his dream difficult.
For Lansing natives, Magic and Miller are sure to endure as local legends long after their celebrity shine has faded elsewhere.
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