Former NHLer Kevin Miller Ordered To Pay $1.6 Million For Career Ending Hit

Kevin Miller, a veteran of over 600 NHL contests, has been ordered by a U.S. judge to pay $1.6 million for a devastating hit he delivered while playing in Switzerland 14 years ago.

While playing with HC Davos Miller elbowed Canadian Andrew McKim - a former NHLer himself - causing McKim to fall forward and strike his head on the ice. He was hospitalized for weeks with a severe concussion and other injuries. McKim's career ended that night.

Miller was charged in Switzerland's Canton of Zurich in 2004 and eventually convicted of simple bodily harm, intentional bodily harm and gross negligence. The court found him responsible for McKim's injuries. The ruling called for a three month jail sentence and complete repayment of McKim's lost income - $1.1 million.

Miller did not pay the penalty because he believed it was not a valid. However using something called the Uniform Foreign-Country Judgments Recognition Act McKim's lawyers were able to uphold the ruling in the United States, complete with increases for interest and legal fees.

As I understand it McKim may already have received all monies owed him through insurance companies that all pro hockey players have. It is the insurance company that his gone after Miller in hopes of recouping the money.

Kevin Miller is one of three brothers who all played in the NHL. Kip and Kelly. They are cousins of current NHLers Ryan Miller and Drew Miller.