| Kenny Connors | NTDP U17 | USHL | L | F | 6’1″ | 190 | UMass Amherst | 2021 | Glen Mills, PA | 2003 | 2020-2021: C+ |
USHL: Dubuque Fighting Saints vs Youngstown Phantoms, November 2020 (Ian Moran): Kenny didn’t end up on the score sheet, but his speed and consistent effort will eventually pay off. He was a solid net front presence in both five on five and power play situation. He showed a willingness to fight for his ice as well as the awareness to take away the goalie’s eyes. During the cycle he protected the puck while having his eyes up looking for open teammates and we have not seen Kenny make any foolish “hope passes” in either game we’ve recently scouted. Defensively, I really like Kenny’s stick. He hides it well while backchecking and on more than one occasion forced grey are turnovers with a sweeping poke check from behind. He contains the cycle well and, again, uses his stick to take away time and space without losing his skating base. In another losing effort, Kenny made positive impacts at both ends of the ice. He finished with no points and a zero plus/minus in a 5-3 loss.
USHL: Dubuque Fighting Saints vs Muskegon Lumberjacks, November 2020: In a losing effort Kenny was noticeable all game because of his high end speed and elite edges. He used his quickness to be a disruptive F1 and although the Lumberjack defensemen tried to look him off or “shake” him, Kenny’s skating allows him to consistently generate turnovers. His ability to take away time and space without taking himself out of the play is something that pro coaches love to work with. There’s little doubt that his high compete and effort are traits that will always be in demand and will help him find a role in the line-up.
Northeast Pack U16 Showcase, November 2019: Doesn’t take you out of your seat but by the end of the Showcase it was clear that Kenny was one of if not the best two ways Centermen. Whether it was a rush with an escape and pull up to find the second wave or taking it to the net directly, he made his linemates productive and better. Had a one-timer goal and a helper off a heads up seam pass cross crease. He plays every inch of the 200 feet and does everything well with exceptional vision and a high end hockey mind. Can get stronger in faceoff dot but that will improve with time and concerted practice. College: UMass. Grade A
Select 16’s USA Hockey National Camp, July 2019: Connors is a hockey player. He was on the puck all week and therefore made many positive plays. He is a prototypical 200 foot center who moves the puck all over and makes his team better in all three zones. He has good puck skills and decent speed, but seldom tries to break down defenders. Instead, he moves pucks to smart spots and gets himself to the net. He can dangle and wiggle himself from trouble, but his game is steady, smart and low risk. He made some pretty cross-zone passes on the tape, made passes on his forehand,backhand and had consistently displayed soft first touches. He scored off the rush in tight, as he stopped on the net. Connors changed pace well to create better gaps for himself. He is a smart player; calculated. He helped in his end, played below the puck and helped his defense defend and break pucks out. He hits with pop and can snap a puck with authority on net. Tough to play against with quality upside, Connors is: versatile, smart and finished with one goal and four assists. Earned a spot on the Five Nations Team, every coach wants a player like him. Grade: A- College: UMass Amherst
World Selects Invite 2003 Division, June 2019: Kenny was one of the best centers in this tournament and put on a display in the face off dots both in the offensive and defensive zones. He has great skating ability and acceleration which makes it look like he is all over the ice. Played on the top line with Bergeman and Sison and they scored several highlight reel goals together. He makes his linemates better around him by chipping in all over the ice whether it’s on the forecheck, possessing the puck behind the net or good support on breakouts. He was responsible all over the ice as well, covering back for pinching d-men and laying out for blocked shots on the PK. Very good understanding of the game and plays better when games mean more. College: UMass Amherst
NTDP Evaluation Camp Report, March 2019: Connors is a good-sized forward with a hard-snap shot where he was able to burry two goals on the week off turnovers in the slot area. He’s a good skater, he showed some strength and some speed and he isn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas and fight for the puck. He isn’t overly skilled but he is a quality passer; he can sauce it in stride, he has good touch on can slide it by defenders in tight areas. He needs to be more involved and use his size and strength more to his advantage by playing a more physical, two-way game. He could also improve his stick skill while at full speed and under duress as he lost some possessions or had to slow down in order to execute certain plays.
Atlantic District Development Camp, June 2018: Kenny was strong all weekend. He is skilled, sees the ice well and has nice hands. A constant offensive threat with some decent size to boot. Made things happen with the hands. There is real upside here, this weekend he played like he did at the start of last season when he was seen by many as one of the very top guys in the District. Now if he can continue to play this way it gets very interesting.
Liberty Bell Games, June 2018: Connors made an impact as a 2003. He was not quite ready to make people miss or do a lot of dangling here so instead he worked to hunt pucks and create chaos. He made himself tough to play against. Stayed around the puck and did the dirty work. Went to the net front, got puck out and deep and worked very hard. Showed some speed as he swooped to loose pucks. Stride needs some smoothing out and that should come with time. On a Meinecke goal, Kenny started the play by getting in on the forecheck, angling the defenseman and creating the turnover. It was a subtle, smart play. He did those types of things all weekend. Tough, finished checks with authority and made an impact with his grit on all 200 feet.
World Selects Invite, June 2018: Played a smart game that was a bit understated. Did the small things well. Won faceoffs, took good angles to pucks and made smart passes. He showed deceptive hands but never really forced them on the game. Managed the puck well. Must smooth out his stride and that should come as he gets stronger. Good approach from Kenny.
Labor Day Bantams at Mennen (NJ), September 2017: Kenny has nice wheels finds the openings. He has a good shot. He keeps his feet moving and draws penalties, but he is a smaller guy who has to get stronger (like most bantams.) Overall, in a one-sided game he was one of the few bright spots on his team.
2003 Crimson Combine, August 2017: Supports the puck extremely well in the middle of the ice and uses his line mates in transition. Plays the full 200 feet and competes hard in all three zones. He finishes his checks and competes. The puck seems to always be around him when he’s on the ice.