Rangers star weighs in on Mike Sullivan hire, after participating in U.S. Open golf qualifier

Yahoo

14-05-2025

If you know J.T. Miller at all, you know that the New York Rangers center loves his golf. Not as much as family or hockey. But J.T. has an impressive golf game and most definitely enjoys playing the sport.
In fact, so good is Miller that he took part in the 2025 U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. Miller didn't qualify after shooting four-over. And it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to hockey after he finished his round.
Asked by a small group of reporters about Mike Sullivan being hired as the new Rangers coach, Miller clearly was pleased.
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'I've known [Sullivan] a long time. I came into the League with him. I have the utmost respect for him as a coach,' Miller said. 'He's accomplished a lot in this league so when we get an opportunity like that to snag him and help us achieve our goals, he 's going to give us the best chance. I'm really happy.'
Sullivan was a Rangers assistant under John Tortorella when they selected Miller in the first round (No. 15 overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft and again when he played his first 26 games in the NHL in 2013.
Miller and Chris Kreider each began their career with the Rangers when Sullivan was an assistant. More recently, Sullivan coached Miller, Kreider, Adam Fox and Vincent Trocheck with the United States at the 4 Nations Face-off in February.
That familiarity will go a long way when training camp begins in the fall.
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Of course, the two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach was hired because the Rangers had a dreadful season and are trying to pick up the pieces after missing the playoffs for the first time in four years.
That wasn't lost on Miller, who joked that he should be participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs right now, not taking part in a golf tournament.
'The goal is not to be available to play in this,' Miller said with a smirk. 'Unfortunately, that's what happens.'
Related: Calvin de Haan's cheeky take on brief, rocky Rangers tenure: 'checks weren't bouncing at end of day'
Rangers' J.T. Miller felt like 'I'm on an island out there' at U.S. Open golf qualifier
J.T. Miller tees off at 2025 U.S. Open golf qualifier — photo courtesy Alan Saunders
Miller played the 18 holes with his father and a friend out on the course with him. That made it a special day for the 32-year-old, who grew up not far from Pittsburgh and visited family this weekend for Mother's Day.
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He took the competition seriously, but was aware he might be a bit out of his league.
'I had an opportunity to compete for one day,' he explained. 'I know who I'm playing against out there. I'm a competitive guy but I kept the expectations realistic.'
Miller was asked to compare playing gold to being a hockey player.
'It's way different (from hockey),' Miller said. 'It's like I'm on an island out there, which is why I think I respect the game of golf and golfers so much. In hockey, you've got everyone else out there to bail you out, it's a team-oriented game. Here, I'm just trying to stay in the right frame of mind. I'm still a rookie in all this. I enjoy doing it for one day, we're going to keep it at that.'
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The competitive Miller we all know and love was proud of how he shot Tuesday, despite windy conditions and a constant threat of rain. In the end, he explained, it was his short game that let him down.
'I had a month to practice, so my game felt good coming in here,' Miller stated. 'Typically it always comes down to making putts, and that's what makes those guys are a lot better at doing this.
'I hit the ball really well. I had four three-putts and shot four over, so that's basically the round right there. I'm happy with the way it went.'
Alan Saunders from SteelersNow contributed to this story
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