Catching up with Conor Geekie
March 10, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
Winnipeg ICE centreman Conor Geekie
(Winnipeg Ice)
As Conor Geekie settled into a chair in front of the Winnipeg ICE backdrop after practice yesterday at the Brandt Centre he looked more like a young pro about to address the media than a fresh-faced Western Hockey League rookie.
At 6'4" and 205 pounds, the savvy centreman joins the ICE full-time this season with some hype - and with good reason.
After all, Winnipeg traded up to ensure they could call his name with the second overall pick in the 2019 WHL Draft.
Since then, the Strathclair, Manitoba product has grown - literally and in his game - recording 35 points in 26 outings for the Yellowhead Chiefs U-18 AAA's last campaign while also getting a taste of the WHL in a seven-game cameo with the ICE.
But despite the natural attributes, the impressive resume, and the buzz - Geekie seems to be anything but stressed about living up to other people's expectations.
In a five-minute conversation he talks about being patient, about not needing points to contribute and learn, and about how getting some games in the MJHL last fall proved a valuable step in transitioning to Major Junior.
"I was super lucky, as everyone knows the pandemic shut a lot of things down right," said Conor fresh from an intense skate. "It was a struggle for most people, but Virden was able to take me in and it was such a huge, huge factor for me just making the jump to the MJ and now into the Dub it makes it a little easier - doesn't look like it (laughs), but as a player it helps a huge ton."
STEP-BY-STEP
How did a stint in the MJHL help you ask?
Well, it was not only a chance to play with older, more experienced players but it was also an opportunity to experience struggle and sort through it.
Conor has put up numbers at every level over the years, but in Virden the totals built slowly and read four points in nine games when the season was halted.
Geekie says he gained important perspective from wrestling with the move up, about keeping an even keel and being willing to learn, and about trusting that development is a process.
Not bad for a 2004-born, eh?
Also helping ease any jitters and pave the way for that process to continue is a seven-game spell with the ICE last season, enough to help a player get to know the staff and players, and start to digest what's to come.
"Those seven games were big. I mean, coming in here knowing a lot of the guys makes it super easy as a 16-year-old to just make the jump like that. I'm looking forward to seeing how this league this year turns out with this whole bubble-type deal. So I'm super excited and I can't wait to get going."
SELF-MOTIVATED
Now if you think Conor may be too comfortable and in jeopardy of letting his guard down, you can forget it.
Sure young athletes need time to build consistency in their play, but Geekie doesn't come across like a person who's about to take anything for granted.
"I like to be pretty demanding and pretty perfect," said Conor when asked about the responsibility of playing centre. "I like to have it my way and I think centre gives me the ability to keep the ice in my hands and be able to control the game, if you may. But, I think it's just more suited for me. My hockey IQ is suited more for a centreman than a winger."
You get the feeling the bulk of the pressure for Geekie is pressure he puts on himself, but his passion for the game helps off-set that load.
"I always love being able to play both sides of the puck. I always love being in the action," he said before indicating how much he looks to older brother Morgan of the Carolina Hurricanes for guidance. "Just learning from my brother too that helps a ton. Just watching him play makes it super easy on me, having the ability to play centre here is a huge honour."
Yeah, in case the hockey world gets a bit confusing Conor has an ace in the hole - a brother rubbing elbows with the best in the biz to emulate.
"It's tough for words to describe. I don't give him much credit, but he's a role model for me inside and out, how he carries himself and how he prepares himself on the ice," glowed Conor about Morgan. "You can't really describe how much I lean on him for stuff. I may not say I lean on him for stuff, but I definitely watch what he's doing out there."
FAMILY FIRST
It doesn't take long in talking to Conor Geekie to find out family provides him with a foundation, a sense of security and confidence.
Yes there's Morgan, with his cool job, but the support is wider than that with mom, dad (Tobi and Craig) and middle bro Noah.
It's a tight-knit group that supports each other and are constants for Conor - especially in dealing with life's challenges.
Like dorm life in a pandemic.
"It gets hard at times right, when you're sitting in your room and you don't know what to do and you can't go out with the guys or whatever," said Conor. "But my brother and my whole family, they help me out immensely - always being there whether it's a phone call or a text. My brothers, maybe it's a chirp or something like that but it always makes you feel like you're at home."
And speaking of at home, I get the feeling Conor will be feeling at home on the ice at the Brandt Centre before too long too.
For exclusive offers on future Winnipeg ICE Tickets, retail from ICE Gear and much more, join our exclusive ICE Breaker Newsletter.
Get access to every WHL game this season with WHL Live on CHL TV. Head over to watch.CHL.ca on your web browser, selecting your package and downloading the brand-new app on your preferred device.
Images from this story
 Winnipeg ICE centreman Conor Geekie |
Western Hockey League Stories from March 10, 2021
- Cougars Announce 2020-21 Roster - Prince George Cougars
- Catching up with Conor Geekie - Winnipeg Ice
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
