Miele led the nation in scoring this season by a wide margin, finishing with 71 total points (24 goals and 47 assists), 11 points more than his closest competitor.
“At Miami, we are known as The Brotherhood,” Miele said during his acceptance speech. “It’s not just a slogan but a way of life. It’s our culture.
“I wish I could have 24 copies of this trophy,” he said, “because all my brothers watching on TV deserve to share in this award equally. You know how much I love you to have that special bond we share.”
Miele, a native of Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., also has been named National Player of the Year by Inside College Hockey, earned All-America honors (along with teammate Carter Camper) from the American Hockey Coaches Association and was named Central Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year after leading the RedHawks to their first Mason Cup (for winning the CCHA tournament).
“Andy is a special player and a special person,” Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. “His teammates are a special group of guys. When (Andy) says he wants to share it with his teammates, that’s the truth. That’s the way we’ve created our culture and our program.”
Miele, an American studies major with a coaching minor, has been active in the community by helping build a house for Habitat for Humanity. He and his teammates also have provided instruction to members of the Junior RedHawks Kids Club and skated with the handicapped.
Miele was involved with underprivileged children through the One Way Farm Children’s Home in Fairfield.
Hobey Baker, a legendary Princeton hockey player, died testing a repaired aircraft at the end of World War I after he had completed his military service. Hobey Baker criteria includes strength of character on and off the ice, displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.
Miele, who signed a contract last week with the Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL, was selected by the votes of a 23-member selection committee, along with the results of an online fan ballot.
Cam Atkinson of Boston College and Matt Frattin of North Dakota were the two other finalists.