Freshman star, Nicholas Miles, discusses his time at RMU, his hockey background, and his inspiration on and off the ice.
The 18-year-old from Apollo PA wears his heart on his sleeve and holds nothing back. He explains that his parents got him into hockey at a young age. His dad, who was from the south, never had much opportunity to play during the late seventies, early eighties. "He (dad) moved here in the 90's and that's when the Penguins got really good," Miles explains, "He had more interest and decided to put me in it…hockey was just a thing, but when I was around age nine, ten, I really liked it, enjoyed it."
The Center explains that he's loved it ever since and has never had a desire to play another sport as hockey is what brings him joy. And that was a major deciding factor for him in terms of picking a college as well. "I knew a lot of people coming to RMU which helped my decision," Miles says, "My roommate is actually goalie and I knew he was coming here which helped with my decision."
Miles also emphasizes the fact that RMU had both hockey and a good business school. He says that when he visited, the Deans he met were all excited to talk and get to know more about him as well as other students. "It was really nice," He says with a smile, "At other schools, it was very basic. At RMU, I got to talk to the Deans and they were interested in what I had to say."
He makes it clear that he's fortunate for what he has. Hockey has taught him a lot along the way and he's always had a solid support system to keep him going.
"I really like the teammate aspect," Miles explains, "With a full team, there's twenty people on the ice, so you need to know them well on and off the ice. If you know them well you know how they play, how to adapt…I love a lot of these guys and I wouldn't have known them without hockey. But since we both like hockey, I'm glad I know these people now."
He credits his success and inspiration to his family, stating that they've always been by his side. "They've been really supportive through all the ups and downs," Miles says, "There were times I didn't want to play, but they've helped me through the bad times and been there for the good."
And this year, he hopes to continue soaking up the good. As the D4 comes off of their championship, Miles knows that the expectations are high."The team this year has improved and I hope people take an interest and that we get a championship."
Miles encourages everyone to come out and see a game sometime in the near future.
The CHE Men's D4 Hockley Team has an overall record of 7-1 coming off of two big wins this past weekend. The Team hosts Penn State Altoona December 9th at 9:15pm on the Olympic Rink at the RMU Island Sports Center.
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