Defender, Lover, Magician - Connor O'Connor - Printable Version +- Simulation Hockey League (https://simulationhockey.com) +-- Forum: League Media (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=610) +--- Forum: SMJHL Media (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=48) +---- Forum: Graded Articles (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=403) +---- Thread: Defender, Lover, Magician - Connor O'Connor (/showthread.php?tid=75909)

- CaptainCanuck - 05-30-2017 First Article - Double Pay Please Connor O'Connor Is Coming To A League Near You The 19 year old, 6'3, right-handed defensemen, Connor O'Connor has decided to join the SMJHL for the upcoming draft. O'Connor's game is offensively focused, coming from his fast skating and playmaking ability. O'Connor's ability with the puck on his stick is impressive to say the least, and has a major impact on the game. Although the key to O'Connor's game is his offensive skill, O'Connor's game is much more well-rounded. Going into this year O'Connor was able to make major strides in regards to his defensive play. "[Connor O'Connor] is the best player that I've ever had the pleasure of coaching. Before this year he was putting up ridiculous point totals but would often cost us defensively. However, coming into this year I told him that to make it in the SMJHL he'd have to work on his defensive game. He came back and I couldn't believe how far he had come, his awareness and ability to play within a defensive system really impressed me," said former coach Seamus Mackenry. Scouts who had been able to watch O'Connor echoed this sentiment and praised O'Connor on how far he had come defensively, also noting that his offensive game continued to improve Throughout his young career the talented defensemen has seen his offensive production improve steadily, hitting a peak in December 2016, when O'Connor was able to put up 35 points in 10 games during the Charlottetown Christmas Showdown. A scout for the U18 Prince Edward Island team was at the tournament watching O'Connor "It was a dominant performance, I couldn't believe what I was watching and after the first period of the first game knew we had to have this kid play for our team," said the scout. The PEI U18 team was a major stepping stone helping O'Connor get noticed on a larger stage and his impressive play for the team has cemented O'Connor as a top prospect. O'Connor's work ethic and qualities of the ice are another point of praise for many who know the young man. Working in the off season with acclaimed hockey trainer Larry Goberts, O'Connor was able to bulk up from 200lbs to now 220lbs and work on his speed, shot, and endurance. "The kid is a monster," said trainer Larry Goberts, "he was in the gym two to three times a day all summer, he would take anything I would throw at him, it was really impressive." Connor O'Connor is entering the SMJHL draft and could be a potential top pick in the upcoming draft. Skating (65), Endurance (62): Connor O'Connor is a big body defenseman but is a strong, fast skater that can surprise many with his speed. Playing top line minutes while consistently pushing the pace of play is an staple of O'Connor's game. His fast breakouts can catch opposing teams off-guard and lead to top-notch scoring chances. Passing (70), Puck Handling (60), Scoring (60): O'Connor's play with the puck is impressive and the plays that he can create with his strong passing are beautiful. O'Connor is an offensive juggernaut and he can cause a real issue for opposing teams, as he can transition from offence to defence quickly and efficiently. We were able to sit down with Connor O'Connor and ask him some questions about his future in the SMJHL. How did you get started playing hockey? O'Connor: I actually figure skated until I was ten years old, but after a bad figuring skating accident I didn't feel very comfortable in figure skates anymore but couldn't give up the ice, so I decided to play hockey. The pace and speed of the game was beautiful to me and the way that the players are able to create so much with such little space is such an amazing aspect of the game. Since then I've grown to love the sport even more and it has given me so much throughout my life. Between you and me I think my dad was really happy that I gave up figure skating haha. Could you tell me more about this accident? What happened? O'Connor: To be honest it was a pretty traumatic moment in my childhood but at this point I've gotten over it. When I was ten, skating on the pond out back the laces of my figure skate came undone somehow and while attempting to perform a triple lutz the skate flew off my foot. The skate then impaled my favourite cow Bethune who was off to the side of the pond. After that my father said we couldn't waist the meat, so we ate Bethune for dinner... It still haunts me to this day. Ohh Okay, so anyways, how would you describe yourself as a hockey player? O'Connor: I'm a pretty offensive player but recently I've become much more responsible defensively. My passing or skating would have to be my best attribute and I've always found myself really looking up to a player like Victor Hedman, he's one of the best in the game right now, I only hope that I could be anywhere near as effective as he is. Why Defence? What drew you to that position? O'Connor: I really like being able to be that player who starts it all. As a defenseman the breakout and all of the offence kind of flows through you in a way, for me it's just a really satisfying feeling. Also getting that perfect top shelf, one-timer may be the best feeling in the world. What has been the best moment of your young hockey career so far? O'Connor: I think a lot of people would expect me to say the Charlottetown Showdown, which was amazing, but I think it was actually the championship game from this season. I only put up one assist but after two of our other defensemen were injured I had to step up and I was able to shut down the other teams offence really well. Who do you think has had a big impact on your growth as a hockey player up until this point? O'Connor: That's a tough question, I think ultimately my Dad has had a major impact on me as not only a hockey player but a person in general. His work ethic is second-to-none and he taught me from a young age that dedication and hard work are what makes a man, in any aspect of life. I think that's what really makes me a good player, I'm constantly working to get better and I'm willing to put in the time to do that. He also is kind of a dick, with the whole feeding me my dead cow thing. What kind of person are you off the ice? What can teams expect with you? O'Connor: As a player it's weird to say this but I'm a big hockey fan. I try and watch as much as I can. It's just a major passion for me. Outside of hockey I really like romance movies and can talk about them forever, I'm just a sucker for a good love story. I also love doing magic tricks in my spare time or to impress people. Magic Tricks? Like what? O'Connor: Mostly card tricks or simple bar magic tricks. It's just a hobby of mind that helps me relax while also entertaining, it's also great for picking up girls. I like to think I got my puck handling skills from slight of hand tricks. So are you looking forward to the draft? Nervous at all? O'Connor: Yeah I'm so excited, I've been looking forward to it all year and just can't wait. I'm definitely a little nervous, I don't really know what to expect going in and that freaks me out a little bit. Do you have any preference on what team takes you? O'Connor: Not to be rude but kind of a dumb question. If I did have a preference it'd be a terrible idea to say it. Really though I think all of these teams are top-notch organizations and I'll be lucky to get the opportunity to play for any one of them. Why have you decided to play in the SMJHL? O'Connor: I really want to play against the best in the world and I believe that some of the best players in the world are in the SMJHL. It was a really easy decision for me to come to the SMJHL and I'm really looking forward to lacing up the skates next season. Scouts have you highly rated in this draft class, what do you think of that? O'Connor: I try not to look at that kind of stuff and just focus on myself, but it is hard to not sometimes haha. So yeah I have seen that before and it feels really good, I think I'm a top player and know that I will be able to contribute at a high level. Getting recognition for that is a pretty nice feeling but as I said earlier I'm just happy to be getting the opportunity and can't wait for what's next. What expectations do you have for your future in the SMJHL? O'Connor: I don't really know what to expect honestly, I don't know how I'll stack up against the other players in the league but I don put really high expectations on myself and want to be the best player I can be. I am going to push myself to be an impact player for whatever team I am able to play for. What kind of role do you fill on a team? O'Connor: I really can play in whatever role you want me in. I like to think I'm very versatile, but where I think I really excel is quarterbacking plays. I love being behind the net, with the puck and looking up and seeing the play develop in my mind. Do you have anything to say to those GM's and Scouts who are looking at you for the upcoming draft? O'Connor: I guess I'd just like to say how thankful I am to be in this position and that if you do end up drafting me I'd be a trooper. I'll take any assignment you want me to take and I will do anything to be an important piece of your team and help your team be the best that we can be. Thank you for taking the time and talking to us Connor, goodluck in the draft. O'Connor: Thank you for having me it's been a pleasure. For anyone else with questions, feel free to ask and Connor will happily answer. - Symmetrik - 05-30-2017 Nice, great way to start! Really good article! - vbottas17 - 05-30-2017 Best of luck Connor! Love the name. - artermis - 05-30-2017 Real life Islander? - goilers - 05-30-2017 Nice work! - Winter is Coming - 05-30-2017 Great article and LIT name. - QuantumCowboy - 05-30-2017 Talk about coming out of the gate hot! Great work! - JKortesi81 - 05-31-2017 Great work COC! Wait a second. . .