BUFFALO | Profession: goalkeeper. Passion: guitarist. Quentin Miller won his first game at the rookie tournament in his first start in a Canadian uniform. The day before, the 18-year-old young man released his first instrumental guitar album entitled Sounds of my thoughts.
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“The win makes me even happier,” answered Miller when asked about his greatest success of the last few days. It’s always really fun when you win. I didn’t really want to think about the album. I’m concentrating on hockey. The album is just something on the side that I like to do. »
Miller, a selection of 4e Round (128e) from CH in the 2023 draft feels like he doesn’t live up to the reputation of goaltenders who are often portrayed as rare mistakes.
The masked man from the Remparts de Québec explained where his love for music came from.
“I started playing guitar two years ago,” he said after a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins juniors at the LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo. I taught myself on YouTube. I also play piano and bass. »
“I started just before the pandemic. My brother bought software that was very expensive. I’ve always wanted to try it. When he stopped using it, I took advantage of it. Since then, I’ve been the one making music. »
- Listen to his EP below:
Good for concentration
“I like to create beats“I’ve been doing this on my computer for three years,” he continued. It allows me to direct my thoughts elsewhere in free moments. I relax more. I can charge my batteries better. »
Music allows him to escape the hockey environment.
“I think it helps my concentration too. There are people who are sometimes too dedicated to hockey. I’m taking a break from music. When I come back to hockey, I’ll be even more present. »
Jean-François Houle, head coach of the Laval Rocket and coach of the CH youngsters at this rookie tournament, had learned about the passion of his young goalkeeper.
“That’s perfect, a young person needs more than just passion in life,” replied Houle. When you think about hockey too much, sometimes it feels like you’re not enough. You need other things to clear your head. Quentin has good balance. »
From Roosevelt to Daniel Caesar
Of the six songs on his album, Miller doesn’t have a perfectly defined style. We sense several musical influences in his compositions.
“We always want to find our touch in the music, our personal touch,” Miller replied. Over the years I have discovered what I like to do. Maybe that will change in the future. I have an artistic side, I like to create. »
“I would say I listen to all kinds of music,” he continued. But I like Roosevelt, Daniel Caesar, Mac Miller and listen to country. »
A future number one
Looking to return to the ice, Miller is preparing for a big season in Quebec. Last year he was William Rousseau’s assistant and will now play number one for the Remparts.
Photo credit: Stevens LeBlanc / Le Journal de Québec
“I have to play,” he said. Last year was my first year of junior year and I only played 20 games. I have to gain experience. It will never hurt me to gain experience. I expect to play in Quebec a lot this season. »
With the Remparts winning the President Cup and Memorial Cup, Miller maintained a 14-4-0 record with a 2.11 GAA and .911 save percentage.
He won’t have the same machine as the team this year.
Roy’s influence
Among the many changes in Quebec are the departure of Patrick Roy as head coach and the arrival of Éric Veilleux.
Miller had a smile on his face when asked to look back on his days with Roy.
“First I have to admit that it was special for me to have him behind the bench. I found it a little intimidating. I didn’t really know how to react. But I’ve gotten used to it. He was a coach and a great coach. He helped me a lot. »
“If he’s worried about the goalkeepers, it’s because things are going badly. He spoke to me once and probably twice to William. He leaves the job to the goalkeeping coach. He led the attackers and the entire team. »
Miller and Rousseau were fortunate to meet in Buffalo. Rousseau, who is expected to play goalie for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies as a 20-year-old, received an invitation to the Bruins’ rookie camp.
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