SJHN Daily: Bruins Part Ways with Miller, Joel Ward Among Those Who Spoke Out

Joel Ward, along with others in the NHL community, voiced disapproval when the Boston Bruins tried to sign Mitchell Miller.

The 20-year-old defenseman was originally the Arizona Coyotes’ fourth-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, until they forfeited his signing rights three days after the Arizona Republic revealed disturbing stories of Mitchell’s past bullying of a student.

Miller and another student admitted in juvenile court that they tricked Isaiah Meyer-Crothers into licking a candy push pop they had recently wiped on a urinal. This forced Meyer-Crothers to be tested for HIV, hepatitis, and STDs, which all came back negative. Miller also verbally harassed Meyer-Crothers with racist slurs during junior high.

This made the Boston Bruins’ signing of Miller incredibly shocking. Many, including current Bruins players, were upset with the organization’s decision. Even Gary Bettman came out and said that this signing was not vetted by the league.

Former San Jose Sharks forward and current Henderson Silver Knights assistant coach Ward was among those to use social media to voice his concerns:

Did anyone from hockey ops or community relations reach out to the victim ? Reached out to his family?
Hockey is a privilege?

Making a black disabled human lick a lollipop that was wiped in a urinal isn’t a mistake.

— Joel Ward (@JRandalWard42) November 4, 2022

Miller only recently reached out to Meyer-Crothers via Instagram direct message, numerous years after the bullying took place.

In wake of the public outcry, the organization decided to part ways with Miller last night, just three days after his signing. In a statement regarding the decision, Bruins president Cam Neely apologized on behalf of the franchise: “We are sorry that this decision has overshadowed the incredible work the members of our organization do to support diversity and inclusion efforts.”

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

The San Jose Sharks lose in another shootout to the Anaheim Ducks, despite the team’s solid offensive performance.

Ryan Strome is appreciative of how David Quinn jumpstarted his career with the New York Rangers.

San Jose Sharks prospect Tristen Robins discusses his time so far with the Barracuda

David Quinn explains his Sturm-Nieto-Ferraro line-up to start overtime against the Florida Panthers.

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Logan Couture, Timo Meier, and other Sharks joined Special Olympics NorCal for a floor hockey scrimmage.

(Floor) hockey is back 🤩

The guys traded in their skates for shoes to participate in a unified floor hockey scrimmage with Special Olympics NorCal athletes! pic.twitter.com/EhlGyX5Gml

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 7, 2022

Former Sharks’ goalie Devan Dubnyk hangs up the skates after 12-year career.

Luke Kunin continues his work with JDRF to support families impacted by Type 1 Diabetes.

It’s not just about hockey for Luke 💙

This season, @lukekunin9 & @sjscommunity are working with @JDRF to invite families impacted by Type 1 Diabetes to Sharks games. After each game, Luke hosts the families for a meet and greet.

Learn more about JDRF ➡️ https://t.co/rrGLTUga4N pic.twitter.com/G9JDOrPTSa

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 6, 2022

The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek discuses Erik Karlsson’s incredible scoring pace to start the 2022-23 NHL season.

AROUND THE NHL…

Colorado Avalanche broadcaster and former NHL’er Peter McNab passes away at age 70.

Sidney Crosby comments on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ recent slump.

Jordan Binnington’s recent outburst drew amusement from New York Islanders players.

Dallas Stars‘ hot start fueled in part by veterans Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.

Canucks’ captain Bo Horvat reaches out to fan who lost money on his shootout mishap.

Darryl Sutter hopes reuniting Jonathon Huberdeau with Elias Lindholm and Tyler Toffoli can end the Calgary Flames’ recent losing streak.

Brandon Tanev’s late goal leads to Kraken’s 3-2 win over the Penguins.

Montreal Canadiens’ forward Josh Anderson faces suspension for his hit on Alex Pietrangelo.

the Minnesota Wild place Ryan Hartman and Jordan Greenway on injured reserve.

The Los Angeles Kings’ offense was able to propel them to a 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers.