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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Kyle Connor Excited to Represent USA at IIHF World U18 Championships

April 9, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Last week, USA Hockey announced that Phantoms forward Kyle Connor was named to the team that will represent the United States of America at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships, to be held in Lappeenranta and Imatra, Finland later this month.

Connor, 17, told YoungstownPhantoms.com that he is "excited" for the opportunity to represent his country.

"Anytime you get to wear a USA jersey, it's an honor. Especially to play with those guys," said the future Michigan Wolverine.

The Shelby Township, Michigan native was one of two players selected for the team who are not members of the U.S. National Team Development Program, or the side colloquially known as "Team USA" for USHL play. The Phantoms forward joins Plymouth Whalers goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic in this regard.

Connor has represented the USA on several previous occasions, most recently when he played in the 2013 World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Connor notched the game-winning goal in the championship game over Russia, and was joined at that tournament by Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen, who served as an assistant coach.

"It's a huge honor for Kyle, and for us," said Noreen, on Connor being named to the IIHF World U18 Championships roster. "To have a guy that that program decided to bring in that they think can help them win a medal, I don't think there's any doubt that Kyle deserves to be over there. He deserves to be a part of that group, he deserves to wear that jersey, at that event. It's an unbelievable chance to not only showcase himself a year from his draft, but also to help his country win a gold medal. I have no doubt that he'll be a big part of that team."

Connor, who knows and has played against many of his USA teammates over the years, understands the importance of his nomination to the team for the Phantoms.

"It says a lot about the Phantoms organization and what a great job they do at developing players," said Connor. "They're just a well-rounded organization."

Noreen called the Phantoms' representation at the tournament "huge," stating that it illustrates how strongly the forward has developed while wearing the Youngstown jersey.

"[Connor] has been here for two years, and if you look at where he was to where he is now, he's a ton better," said Noreen. "He's developed himself into one of the elite forwards of this league. Again, he deserves to be there, and he'll be a huge part of that team."

Youngstown Co-Owner Troy Loney also conveyed his admiration for Connor, and this achievement.

"It's tremendous for Kyle to get a nod to represent his country at a tournament of this prestige," said Loney. "It's a nice testament to how hard he has worked since he has gotten here, and the entire Phantoms organization is certainly proud of the fact that he made this roster."

The tournament will take place from April 17-24, and features ten teams divided into two groups. The United States is grouped with Finland, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, and will begin pool play on April 17 against Switzerland.

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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.

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