Brian Savage played his college hockey for the Miami University RedHawks from 1990 to 1993. During his junior season in 1992-93, Savage was a prolific scorer, tallying 37 goals and 21 assists for 58 points. His impressive performance that year earned him First-Team All-CCHA and Second-Team All-American honors. He was also named the CCHA Player of the Year and was a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. After his junior season, he left college to join Team Canada.

Following his time at Miami University, Savage was part of the Canadian national team, with which he won a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics. He then embarked on a 12-season professional career in the NHL, playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers. He had a career-high 60 points with the Canadiens in the 1996-97 season. Savage retired in 2006.