Hannah Miller has made a quantum leap from depth-scoring player to the absolute clutch top scorer on the Toronto Sceptres. The transformation has been remarkable helping Toronto jump from last to second in the standings and solidly in a playoff spot.
The Breakthrough Season
The comparison to Natalie Spooner isn’t made lightly. Last season, Miller put up respectable numbers: seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 23 games played. This season? Miller has already blown past those totals in fewer games:
- 20 games played
- 10 goals
- 12 assists
- 22 points
Miller is currently the league’s leading scorer and has been named one of the PWHL’s three stars of the week for two weeks in a row. Four of her goals have come on the power play, an area where the Sceptres have seen dramatic improvement. The team’s power play is clicking at an impressive 33.9 percent—it was nearly 50 percent until their latest game.
One key difference is that Miller is shooting more, with 45 shots in 20 games versus 39 shots in 24 games last season. The increased volume combined with her improved accuracy has made her one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. Miller’s shooting percentage has jumped from 17.9% last season to an impressive 22.2% this year.
Versatility and Impact
Miller’s ability to play both wing and center has made her an invaluable piece for the Sceptres. At this point, she’s solidified her role as the team’s #1 center. She also wins faceoffs, kills penalties, and plays on the top power play unit, making her a true 200-foot player.
Her impact was perhaps most evident during the Battle on Bay Street game at Scotiabank Arena against the New York Sirens. Miller scored an absolute beauty of a goal on a breakaway that proved to be a turning point for the Sceptres’ season.
Toronto had been struggling, sitting in last place with just one win in their previous five games. The Sirens, meanwhile, were riding a two-game winning streak after a ten-day break. Miller’s performance helped shift momentum for Toronto.
The Clutch Factor
Miller scored the game-winning goal in the season opener and the game-tying goal against Ottawa so far this year. When asked about her knack for scoring big goals, she remains characteristically humble:
“I think a lot of it is the opportunity that you’re given from the coaching staff to first of all be on a power play, to be put on the ice in that position. Sometimes the fans see just the end result of the goal, but there’s a lot of things that go into a play on the ice or the power play. And I’ve been fortunate to be finishing off those plays a couple of times this year.”
From Late Draft Pick to Star
What makes Miller’s rise even more impressive is her journey. She was drafted in the 13th round, 74th overall, in the 2023 PWHL draft. On June 21, 2024, she signed a one-year contract extension with Toronto. It’s a decision that has proven to be one of the smartest moves the Sceptres made in the off-season.
The comparison to Spooner comes from the surprise of someone for whom expectations were nowhere near the performance that has appeared on the ice.
Meanwhile, Spooner, who has just returned from her knee injury, is already contributing to the team’s power play and attack at the front of the net. It is taking time for Spooner to round into form, with just one assist since her return. This is a stark contrast to last year when Spooner surprised everyone by finishing as the league’s top scorer with 20 goals and 27 points in 24 games.
NCAA to PWHL Journey
Before her PWHL success, Miller played NCAA hockey at St. Lawrence University from 2014-18 where she recorded 123 points in 124 games (42G, 80A).
Miller’s international resume includes representing Canada at the U18 World Championship twice, winning back-to-back gold in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
As the season progresses, Miller’s continued production will be crucial for the Sceptres, who have climbed out of the basement and look like a solid contender.
