Connor named USHL Player of the Year

Aaron Vickers2015 Draft Center

Kyle Connor is entering the 2015 NHL Draft well decorated.

The Youngstown Phantoms forward, and 12th ranked forward in Future Considerations’ final ranking for the 2015 draft, was named the USHL’s forward and player of the year.

“Being named both player and forward of the year is a great honor,” Connor told the Phantoms website. “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 led the USHL in scoring 80 points in 56 regular season games. He broke his own Phantoms franchise record in points, eclipsing the mark of 74 he established last season. He also led the USHL with nine game-winning goals, while his 34 goals were one shy of fellow NHL draft eligible Brock Boeser’s lead of 35, while Connor’s 46 assists were second-best in the league.

He was also recognized by USA Hockey as the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the year as the most outstanding American-born player in junior hockey.

Connor has committed to the University of Michigan next season.