Badgers Add Third String Goalie

Wisconsin has added a new goaltender, and thus likely finalized the roster for next fall.

When third-stringer Mitch Thompson, who was a recruited walk-on, decided he wanted to pursue more playing time at the D-3 level this spring, the Badgers were left a goaltender short on the roster.

Now it looks like they have found their man, landing a verbal commitment from New Jersey Hitmen backstop Adam Miller. The Hitmen play in the EJHL, a league that the Badgers rarely recruit from. However if you are wondering why the Hitmen are familiar, it's because 2013 Wisconsin recruit Corbin McGuire plays on the same team.

In a release from the team on Wednesday, Miller noted how excited he is to join the Badger family.

"It's been a lifelong goal to attend a school with a hockey program as prestigious as Wisconsin, and I feel honored to have to opportunity to go there," Miller said. "I am so excited to be a Badger, and to play for such a well respected coach in Mike Eaves. It's truly a surreal feeling!"

Miller, who hails from Long Grove, IL is a self proclaimed 'suitcase' goaltender. He has spent parts of his junior hockey career in the NAHL with the St. Louis Bandits and the Janesville Jets, and in the USHL with the Chicago Steel before settling on the Hitmen in the EJHL.

Last season for New Jersey, Miller played in 22 games and recorded a 16-4 record with a 2.58 goals against average and a .915 save percentage.

As mentioned previously, Miller is expected to take over the role of the departed Mitch Thompson as the third stringer/practice goaltender. Miller will start his career behind Landon Peterson (5-6 W-L, 3.02 GAA, .896 SV %), and Joel Rumpel (12-12 W-L, 2.48 GAA, .919 SV %).

Miller is the fifth and final member of the 2012 freshman class. He'll join newcomers Nic Kerdiles (Irvine, CA), Morgan Zulinick (Kamloops, BC), Eddie Wittchow (Burnsville, MN), and Kevin Schulze (White Bear Lake, MN).

Wisconsin's roster for 2012-13 now stands at an even 15 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 3 goaltenders.

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