MICHIGAN HOCKEY
year in a row to play for the United
States Junior Select Team that will
compete in the 2014 World Junior A
Challenge Dec. 14‑20 in Kindersley,
Saskatchewan.
"The biggest thing about playing
international is getting the chance
to wear the USA jersey and play for
your country," Connor said. "I've
gained valuable experience playing
against some of the best players from
around the world."
Connor compares his game to that
of Matt Duchene, who plays for the
NHL's Colorado Avalanche, because
Duchene uses his speed and vision to
make players around him better.
"Being from Michigan and a De‑
troit Red Wings fan, Pavel Datsyuk
is a player I idolized growing up,"
Connor said. "He is an incredible
talent and plays the game the right
way."
Connor has had the same success
himself at the junior level with the
Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL.
After scoring 31 goals and adding 43
assists last season with Youngstown,
Connor has started the 2014‑15 sea‑
son similarly bagging six goals and
adding 11 assists in the Phantoms'
first 12 games. ❑
Michigan native Kyle Connor — a 6-1, 175-pound center who is projected to be a top-15 pick
in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft — will get to fulfill his dream of playing for the Wolverines.
PHOTO COURTESY YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS
