Connor Named USHL Player of the Year and USHL Forward of the Year
Published on May 27, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The United States Hockey League (USHL) has announced that forward Kyle Connor has been named USHL Player of the Year, and USHL Forward of the Year. He becomes the first Phantom to earn either of these awards. These are the second and third major awards for the University of Michigan commit this offseason, who also earned the Dave Tyler Award last week, which is presented by USA Hockey to the top American-born player in all of junior hockey.
"Being named both Player and Forward of the Year is a great honor," said Connor. "It all goes back to my teammates and coaches this year always challenging and pushing me to be better. After the season we had two years ago, we wanted to come back strong, and they pushed me every day on the ice and in the weight room."
Connor had a career year for the Phantoms, leading the League with 80 points (34g, 46a), and setting numerous personal, League, and team records in the process. On October 11, the Shelby Township, MI, native scored his 50th career goal, becoming the 18th player in USHL history to reach the mark, and just the third player in League history to score 50 goals before his 18th birthday. Later that month, he became the Phantoms' all-time leading point scorer, and in November, he became the Phantoms' all-time goal scoring leader. He is also just the second player in the Tier-1 era (2002-present) to post back-to-back 30-goal seasons.
The personal successes did not stop there for five-time USHL Forward of the Week, as twice he scored a career-high five points in a game, including his second career hat trick on April 4. He was instrumental in the Phantoms' Tier-1 era record 17-game winning streak as well, recording points in 15 of those contests, with 10 of those games serving as multi-point efforts. He also netted the game-winner to clinch win number 17; a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Steel on March 22. During the Phantoms' historic winning streak, Connor accounted for 15 goals and 15 assists, for 30 total points.
"It was a special year for Kyle, and he took tremendous strides as a 200-foot player while also being the most productive offensive player in the League," said Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen. "He will certainly be missed in Youngstown because of the way he played on the ice and how he carried himself."
In addition to goals, assists, and points, Connor's 25 power play assists and nine game-winning goals were also League-highs, and he tied for the League-lead in power play points with 32 (7g, 25a). His 256 shots on goal were tops on the team and second in the USHL, and he also led the team with the fewest penalty minutes amongst players with at least 40 games played, with six.
"This is definitely the best junior league in all of North America, and any team can win on any night," remarked Connor." This league is a tough league, but it does an excellent job of developing players and getting them ready for the next level."
He wrapped up his USHL career with 82 goals and 113 assists for 195 total points in 174 career games, and is projected to be taken in the top half of the first round in the upcoming NHL Draft in June.
For all the latest news on the 2014-2015 Anderson Cup Champion Youngstown Phantoms, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).
United States Hockey League Stories from May 27, 2015
- USHL Approves Transfer of Ownership for the Chicago Steel - USHL
- Connor Named USHL Player of the Year and USHL Forward of the Year - Youngstown Phantoms
- Kyle Connor Named Both USHL Player of the Year and USHL Forward of the Year - USHL
- Johnson & Caps Feel They Have Unfinished Business - Madison Capitols
- Hawks Plan for Futures Camp - Waterloo Black Hawks
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