WCHA: Secret Free-Agent Conner

Surprisingly, the early goal-scoring leader in Division 1 college hockey isn’t named Parise, Eaves, Bochenski or Vanek. Instead, it is unheralded sophomore Chris Conner of Michigan Tech.

A native of Westland, Michigan, Conner has been shredding defenses across the WCHA, and has notched 11 goals in Tech’s fist six games to lead the nation. As well, his 15 points tie him with linemate Colin Murphy and Jim Slater of Michigan State for the NCAA scoring lead.

Conner, an undrafted 19-year-old, played in all 38 of the Huskies’ contests last season, totaling 13 goals and 37 points to capture the team’s outstanding newcomer award. He displayed great consistency, particularly for a freshman, and finished the season with points in five of his last six games. The slick center played his junior hockey for Chicago and Compuware of the North American Hockey League.

A hard-working forward blessed with outstanding speed and quickness, the flashy Conner can execute at top speed and knows how to utilize his accurate shot and quick release to full advantage. On top of his goal-scoring prowess, he is also a very good playmaker who sees the ice exceptionally well. He is particularly lethal on the penalty kill, where he already has a pair of short-handed tallies this season after netting three as a freshman.

Despite his rookie exploits last year, Conner flew under the radar of most college hockey fans and scouts alike. NHL teams were scared off due to his diminutive 5-foot-8 frame, however, he is a solid 175 pounds and plays a tough, gritty game. He backs down from no one and has embarrassed plenty of collegiate rearguards with his speed and cunning.

A late '83 birthdate, Conner is no longer eligible for the NHL draft, however, is sure to attract free-agent interest if he can continue to sustain his incredible early pace.

Quick Hits .. Minnesota senior Grant Potulny had three goals in last weekend’s split versus Denver… Junior Lessard of Minnesota-Duluth recorded his seventh and eighth goals of the season Saturday night … North Dakota’s splendid top line of Brady Murray, Zach Parise and Brandon Bochenski amassed 17 points this past weekend… Goalie Curtis McElhinney of Colorado College allowed just one goal in two games over the weekend, improving his record to 4-0-1 with the two wins.