Kyle Connor talks about being selected by the Winnipeg Jets

Kyle Connor at the 2014 All-American Prospects Game. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)
Kyle Connor at the 2014 All-American Prospects Game. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Kyle Connor said he knew there wasn’t anything he could do about it, so there was no point in worrying about his draft position on Friday night.

There wasn’t much of a need to worry, anyways, since the Winnipeg Jets called his name at No. 17 overall.

“It was a phenomenal feeling,” Connor told MiHockey Saturday afternoon. “It was almost unbelievable, that your hard work finally paid off. Just sitting in the chair, I tried to relax and enjoy it as much as I could. You can’t control anything else.”

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The Shelby Township was the second Michigan native selected in the first round of this weekend’s NHL Draft, joining his friend Zach Werenski in the opening night festivities.

He said he was happy with which specific NHL team selected him, as well.

“Definitely,” Connor said. “I think Winnipeg is a great team, really passionate fans and the team, they have a lot of young talent and it’s definitely on the up-rise.”

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

It won’t be the first time the Jets bring a Michigan native into their organization, nor a member of the Wolverines. Connor, who is committed to Michigan for the upcoming season, joins Jacob Trouba (Rochester) and Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor) in the Winnipeg system. Connor said that ads to his comfort level moving forward.

“There is, definitely, knowing they have had previous success going to Michigan and ended up in Winnipeg – it definitely paved the road.”

His plan is certainly to continue on his path towards Ann Arbor.

“Yeah, it’s been a dream of me ever since I was a little kid, being a sports fan of all their sports,” Connor said. “I think that first time when I get to represent that Block M, it’ll be something special.”

For the Jets, they now have the reigning USA Hockey junior player of the year in their organization. Connor, a product of the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, recorded 80 points in 56 games en route to league and countrywide player of the year awards.

When asked about what went through his mind when he found out about his prestigious honor from USA Hockey, he said it was all about the important people in his life.

“I think it just goes back to all of the support from my family and friends,” Connor said. Encouragement, driving me to the rinks in the morning, thinking about how far we’ve come.”

Those people were all in attendance in Sunrise, Fla., when Connor officially became a member of an NHL organization.

“It was incredible,” Connor said. “They’ve shown so much support through the years in everything I do. They’ve been there through the ups and the downs. To share something like that with them, it was very special.”

Once the celebration comes to an end, however, it’s back to work for Connor. Before he gets to Ann Arbor, he has a first of hopefully many trips to Winnipeg to plan for.

“Development camp, next Thursday I’ll head up to Winnipeg and get a chance to see everything and meet all the players and staff, as well.

“Definitely exciting, just to kind of get comfortable with everything up there.”