Former Cranbrook star Andrew Miller (17) beats
WL Northern grad Connor Hellebuyck
for the game-winner in overtime Thursday night,
as Yale beat UMass-Lowell, 3-2. (AP photo)

It's very easy for me, a guy who concentrates so much on high school hockey, to lose track of some of Oakland County's former stars as they continue on with their careers in juniors or beyond - at the collegiate level.
As the second half of the college season has progressed, into the playoffs, my focus was on following the superb play of former Walled Lake Northern grad Connor Hellebuyck, a freshman who has basically carried UMass-Lowell on his back and into the Frozen Four.
But when I checked my email this morning, I was tipped off to the fact that it was another former Oakland County great, former Cranbrook star and Mr. Hockey winner, Andrew Miller, who came up big last night. The senior captain led Yale to a 3-2 overtime win over Hellebuyck's River Hawks, beating college's brightest young star with a backhand to help his team into Saturday night's national championship game against Quinnipiac.
If you're a fan of high school hockey - particularly here in Oakland County - this has to get you a little excited. Here, in a defining moment of the college season, you have two former high school players from right here in the county, playing a major role. All eyes were on them.
Miller will leave Yale as the all-time assists leader. He was the Ivy League Player of the Year. Hellebuyck (20-3, 1.37 GAA, .952 save %) was one of the hottest players after being handed the reins in goal the second half of the season for UMass-Lowell.
But they weren't alone. Miller's teammate, Ryan Obuchowski, is a Catholic Central grad. Clinton Bourbonais (15 points) played at St. Mary's.
Adam Chapie, a Lake Orion grad, scored a pair of goals in UMass-Lowell's run to the Frozen Four. 
I sit here and wonder who will be next. Who will rise to the occasion next year? I think I'll be paying closer attention next winter.