Torrid Toni Ann Miano: The BC defender has been on a tear this season

From the Bronx to Boston, Toni Ann Miano can play with the best of them.

The defender for Boston College has been on a torrid pace this season, already with 14 goals for the Eagles through mid-January. With a four-goal night early in the month, then a two-tally game just days later, Miano has continued to be a major part of the Eagles’ championship project.

“I hope she keeps scoring like that,” quipped Eagles coach Katie Crowley following a win against Vermont. “We have a pretty potent offense, but there’s time where there’s pressure on those kids to produce. When someone like Toni gets a couple for us, those players can take a deep breath.”

Miano, though her offensive numbers are what shows, also has been strong defensively. She’s gotten back on plays even after attempting chances in the attacking zone. It’s all about balance, and Miano has gotten that aspect down and finds herself in the perfect spots to add to her numbers.

“It’s right place, right time,” she said. “That happens a lot when the forwards cycle into the corners. I try to find myself in a spot just to be open in the passing lanes.”

The Bronx, N.Y., native might have a chance to play at home again in the coming years after being drafted by the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women’s Hockey League. But she’s made her college home in Boston with one of the best programs in the nation.

Those years have included ups and downs. On one end, a suspension that ended her junior season. But on the other, she’s improved drastically on the ice, especially as a puck-moving defender.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Miano. “I get more comfortable as the years go on. I think confidence is key … just being able to produce, especially in my senior year, and to be the best I can for the underclassmen.”

Growing up, Miano was one of the top girls hockey players in the nation, representing Team USA in the U-18 world tournament. Miano honed her game playing in New Jersey and elevated herself to become worthy of a D-1 program.

The Eagles are sure glad she did. Miano’s become one of the most important players with the program, especially with Kali Flanagan and Megan Keller gone for the Olympics.

“She’s a real smart player and has been that way for all four years,” said Crowley. “The way she uses her teammates, the way she finds lanes. She’s such a smart player that she knows when she does something wrong. You don’t even have to tell her.”

Last season, Miano had 17 points in 17 games before sitting out the second half of the year. She came back for 2017-18 ready to prove a point, and thus far, she has.

“All four years, our teams have been unbelievable with great talent and great leaders,” Miano said. “Being on the other side of it, being an upperclassman and leader, is a different perspective. It’s important to keep everyone close.”

“She’s become a leader,” said Crowley. “The younger players look up to her. Whether she’s a forward or ‘D’ or a goalie, they look up to Toni.”

Miano has expressed interest in playing pro hockey, especially for the Riveters. It would give her the chance to play in front of a hometown crowd for the first time in a while. And, playing in New Jersey, where the Rivs play home games, would provide her the chance to play where she matured as a young hockey player.

But before focus can shift to that path, it’s all about finding a way back to the Women’s Frozen Four.

If Miano has anything to do with it, the Eagles are in prime position.

“It’s just finding lanes,” she said, “being an outlet for the forwards and knowing where I want to shoot it beforehand. That’s what I try to focus on.”

Miano had something to prove coming into this season. And it wasn’t just on the ice. She had to prove to be a leader and a backbone player with the departures of two defenders.

When Cayla Barnes was recalled to the national team as well, that made it more difficult for the Eagles. But that’s right when Miano began to pick up her game.

“She cares about it and really wants to be good,” said Crowley. “She’s really developed into a really good defenseman. Over four years, she’s gotten better.”