Ryan Miller grew up idolizing goalie Dominik Hasek, and upon signing with the Buffalo Sabres in 2002, fantasized of one day having his name and number hang from the arena rafters.

Not only did MillerB次元官网网址檚 dream become reality on Thursday night, he was wowed by having Hasek appear by video from his home in the Czech Republic to welcome him into the exclusive club with the Sabres.

B次元官网网址淩yan, IB次元官网网址檓 honored to be a part of your night. As goalies, we know what the position demands, all eyes fixed on you,B次元官网网址� Hasek said during a ceremony held before BuffaloB次元官网网址檚 game against the New York Islanders. B次元官网网址淚 am proud of the history we both made here in this city, in front of these fans.B次元官网网址�

In taking over as BuffaloB次元官网网址檚 starting goalie in 2005, four years after Hasek was traded to Detroit, Miller established himself as one of the franchiseB次元官网网址檚 best over 10-plus seasons with the team.

B次元官网网址淚t was just amazing to have him say kind words about me because thatB次元官网网址檚 exactly how I would observe his hockey,B次元官网网址� said Miller, who wore HasekB次元官网网址檚 No. 39 through his junior and college career at Michigan State before switching to No. 30 upon joining the Sabres as a fifth-round pick in 1999.

B次元官网网址淚 wanted to have my own relationship with the fans. I wanted to have my own identity,B次元官网网址� the 42-year-old Miller said, of wanting to separate himself from Hasek. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 pretty cool that taking that different path has led us to the same place.B次元官网网址�

Miller, in street clothes, joined the SabresB次元官网网址� celebration on the ice following their 3-2 overtime win against the Isles. After fist-bumping Sabres players, Miller was surrounded by the team and posed for a group photo at the blue line.

Miller broke some of HasekB次元官网网址檚 records, and still ranks first on the franchise list with 284 wins, 540 games played, and a single-season mark of 41 victories. From East Lansing, Michigan, MillerB次元官网网址檚 391 wins B次元官网网址� two more than Hasek B次元官网网址� split over four teams over 18 seasons, rank first among U.S.-born goalies, and 14th overall.

He retired from the NHL two years ago following four seasons with Anaheim. He also played with St. Louis and Vancouver.

Miller is best remembered for his time in Buffalo. In 2006 and B次元官网网址�07, he led the Sabres to consecutive Eastern Conference final appearances, which Buffalo lost both times.

And then came his Vezina Trophy-winning season in 2009-10, which coincided with Miller backstopping the United States to a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games, where he was named the tournamentB次元官网网址檚 MVP.

For all his stops around the league, and now making his home in Southern California, Miller remains fond of Buffalo.

B次元官网网址淚 loved my time here, and IB次元官网网址檓 glad it was an impactful time, and that the fans enjoyed that time,B次元官网网址� said Miller, who remains a part-time NHL consultant on goalie rules. B次元官网网址淏ut itB次元官网网址檚 also a time to reconnect. I love Buffalo, and I want to be around more and now I can be around.B次元官网网址�

Joining Miller for the on-ice ceremony were numerous former teammates, coaches and members of his family. Also in attendance was NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

B次元官网网址淗e was the backbone of this team,B次元官网网址� former Sabres forward Thomas Vanek said of Miller. B次元官网网址淔or me as a player going into every game I knew we had a chance to win because we had Ryan Miller.B次元官网网址�

Miller couldnB次元官网网址檛 resist poking fun at the Toronto Maple Leafs, the SabresB次元官网网址� cross-border rival, in a comment that got one of the louder cheers of the ceremony.

Miller said: B次元官网网址淚 wanted the entire city to wake up in a good mood because we beat the Maple Leafs the night before.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址擩ohn Wawrow, The Associated Press