WINNIPEG – There’s no time like the present for Winnipeg Jets hopeful Kyle Connor.
Connor, 19, is attending the Jets Development Camp for the second straight year after he was taken 17th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
“One of these kinda camps you just got to go out there and try to have some fun.” said Connor. “And on the ice you just stick to what you do well.”
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Connor turned pro after the conclusion of his season at the University of Michigan. He also suited up for Team USA at the World Hockey Championships but an injury limited his icetime.
“A little unfortunate, got banged up there two games in.” Connor said. “But overall was a really good experience. Learned a lot from a lot of the pros and what it takes to play at that level.”
Connor was the leading scorer in U.S. college hockey last season for the Wolverines. He scored 35 goals with 36 assists in only 38 games and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award for the top college hockey player. But he has some work to do this summer to make it to the next level. He only weighs in at 177 pounds so adding some muscle weight is one of his main goals this off-season.
“Getting stronger, bigger, faster and I think that just comes with working out.” said Connor. “On the ice, just quicker and stronger like shooting the puck.”
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When camp concludes, Connor is heading home to Ann Arbour, MI for the summer, but it’s clear he turned pro for one reason, and one reason only, and that’s to be on the Jets in the fall.
“That was one of my goals.” said Connor. “Make that step this year and I think that’s something I’m ready for.”
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