Comets Corner with Director of Hockey Operations Pat Conacher
September 3, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
Each week until the beginning of the season, we will introduce you to a member of the Utica Comets. This week's guest is the Comets' Director of Hockey Operations, Pat Conacher.
Pat is no stranger to the Utica area. He played 108 games with the Utica Devils, and was a member the first American Hockey League team to call the AUD home. During that stretch, he netted 97 points (27-70-97), and 91 penalty minutes.
The Edmonton, AB native appeared 521 National Hockey League games after being drafted 76th overall in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Pat played for six NHL teams: the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and New York Islanders. His career included two trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Oilers in 1984.
Most recently, Pat was the Head Coach of the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.
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Comets Corner: It's well known that you were a Utica Devil. Do you have any special memories of playing at the AUD, and does anything in particular about the those games stick out to you?
Pat Conacher: I remember those days well. I remember we were the team that originally brought the American Hockey League to Utica. So it's exciting to be able to bring that level of hockey to Utica again. I really enjoyed my time with the Utica Devils. Our team was filled with great guys, top to bottom. We were always competitive, and we played an entertaining style of hockey due to a high level of physical play. I remember Utica fans being loud and boisterous. They knew the game very well, recognized talent and expected results.
CC: During the 1983- 84 season you won a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, can you talk a little about that experience and what it was like?
PC: Well obviously that is a moment every player dreams of, and it truly was a dream come true. We showed the hockey world that to win a Stanley Cup, you need all 22 players. We had so many great players on that team, Gretzky, Messier, Kurri and Fuhr, but we needed everyone to win that Stanley Cup. For example, Fuhr went down with an injury in the Finals, and Andy Moog had to step in. Our role players played a huge part in winning that Stanley Cup. It's an experience I will never forget.
CC: What is your favorite hockey memory?
PC: Of course winning the Stanley Cup is a big one. But there is a special feeling when your parents get to see you play in the National Hockey League after all those years they spent taking me to hockey practices, or games. To be able see them enjoy watching me play in the playoffs, it is for sure a special feeling.
I never broke in to the NHL full-time until I was 27. I was up and down for years between the NHL and the AHL. There was a learning process to figuring out what it took to stay in the NHL. Finally figuring out all the little things you have to do, the sacrifices and the dedication to do all those things every day in order to get to the NHL, and then to stay in the NHL. That's another memory that stays with me.
CC: What are some of your hobbies away from hockey?
PC: I don't really have hobbies away from the game. I'm a big family man. In the off-season I enjoy getting to spend time with the family. We'll take the kids on a trip, and just spend quite a bit of time together. I'm not a golfer, or anything really. Hockey is 365 (days) to me. I love the game, and spend a lot of my time around it.
CC: What are you looking forward to the most about the upcoming season?
PC: I am really looking forward to re-establishing the American Hockey League in Utica. We have a great city that wants great hockey, and I am excited about bringing the game back to these fans. I am looking forward to helping to achieve success for our team on and off the ice.
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