ARIZONA COYOTES

DDB: Miele to make NHL debut Sunday

Oct 21, 2011, 9:32 PM | Updated: 10:33 pm

GLENDALE – I had a chance to speak with Coyotes General
Manager Don Maloney during Friday’s practice and I asked
him to explain why the team recalled center Andy Miele
from the American Hockey League.

“Andy had a strong training camp and he’s been our best
player in the AHL and we think he can help us in Phoenix
now,” Maloney said. “We need to have more skill and
playmaking ability in our lineup so Andy will get his
chance. We like his creativity, his puck movement and his
power-play ability.”

Miele is expected to join the Coyotes for practice on
Saturday and then make his NHL debut on Sunday when
Phoenix plays the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center at 5 p.m.

“He’s coming up to play right away and he’ll be in the
lineup on Sunday,” Maloney said. “Hopefully he can help us
get back on track.”

Miele, who won the 2011 Hobey Baker Award after an
outstanding senior season at Miami University, has notched
three goals and four assists in four games for the
Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine. On Wednesday,
he notched two goals and three assists vs. Manchester.

“He’s been controlling the games he’s played in down
there,” Maloney said. “Prior to his five-point game he was
hitting posts and creating plays, he just hadn’t had as
much luck finishing. He’s certainly shown a skill set that
we could use here.”

Miele had a decent training camp with the Coyotes and was
one of the last players sent to the AHL before the regular
season started. After what he saw of Miele in camp and his
solid play in the AHL, Maloney is confident the 5-foot-9
center can contribute right away.

“The thing I like about Andy is yes, he’s a first-year
pro, but he’s 23 years old,” Maloney said. “And he’s a
mature, confident kid. I don’t believe he’ll be up here in
awe of the situation or the players. He’s determined to
show people that he can play in the league and I’m excited
to see him play.”

Maloney added that Miele is not guaranteed a spot with the
team for the rest of the season. His performance, Maloney
said, will dictate how long he stays in the NHL.

At some point, look for Miele to play on a line with
winger Patrick O’Sullivan. The two played together in
preseason and gelled nicely.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Contact Dave Vest at thedesertdogblog@phoenixcoyotes.com and
follow him on Twitter @davest4yotes.
For information on upcoming Phoenix Coyotes games, please
visit
http://coyotes.nhl.com

Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes F Logan Cooley...

Associated Press

Logan Cooley nabs 1st career hat trick as Coyotes end Predators’ points streak

Logan Cooley had his first NHL hat trick and the Arizona Coyotes snapped the Nashville Predators’ point streak.

3 hours ago

Matias Maccelli #63 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during an NHL game at Mullett Arena...

Associated Press

Josh Doan nets twice in NHL debut, Coyotes score 4 goals in 3rd and beat Blue Jackets

Josh Doan had two goals including the go-ahead score in his first NHL game and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2.

2 days ago

ASU hockey player Josh Doan and father Shane Doan wave to fans before the ceremonial first puck to ...

David Veenstra

Arizona Coyotes forward Josh Doan scores twice in NHL debut

Coyotes forward Josh Doan scored twice in his NHL debut on Tuesday. Doan had goals in the second and third period against Columbus. 

2 days ago

Josh Doan...

Damon Allred

Arizona Coyotes recall forward Josh Doan from Tucson Roadrunners

The Arizona Coyotes recalled former second-round pick Josh Doan, son of former captain Shane Doan, from the Tucson Roadrunners.

4 days ago

Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck while being defended by Alex Kerfoot #15...

Associated Press

Arizona Coyotes fall to Dallas Stars for 2nd time in last 3 games

Miro Heiskanen broke a tie with 5:28 left and the Stars won their fourth consecutive game, beating the Coyotes on Sunday night.

4 days ago

Dylan Guenther...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ Dylan Guenther scores overtime game-winner vs. Kraken

Dylan Guenther scored in overtime to give the Arizona Coyotes a win over Seattle on Friday night.

6 days ago

DDB: Miele to make NHL debut Sunday