Kyle Connor talks about missing out on Hobey Baker, upcoming decision on next season

By @MichaelCaples –

It certainly wasn’t what he was hoping for, but like usual, Kyle Connor took it in stride.

In a year where he wasn’t selected for Team USA’s World Junior team despite leading the NCAA in scoring, Connor also missed out on winning the Hobey Baker Award.

Connor was one of three finalists for the award – part of the Hobey Hat Trick – and was in Tampa for the selection show Friday evening with fellow nominees Thatcher Demko and Jimmy Vesey.

It was Vesey, despite Connor matching 2015 Hobey Baker winner Jack Eichel’s scoring mark of 71 points, who ended up taking home the hockey equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

“I thought it was a cool ceremony,” Connor told reporters after the event. “Obviously it was great players, Thatcher and then Jimmy – he’s very deserving, he’s a great player.”

When asked if he was surprised by the voting outcome, the Big Ten Rookie and Player of the year said he wasn’t.

“I don’t think so,” Connor said. “Like I said, they’re both really deserving, and Jimmy’s a hell of a player. Congrats to Jimmy.”

The freshman forward also talked about the recent news that his head coach would be returning for another season at Michigan. Connor said, “a little bit” when asked if he was surprised by the decision.

“It’s good for a program,” Connor said. “He’s a great coach, he really turned it around from the past couple years.”

As far as his own decision on whether to return or go pro, Connor said he and his family will be working on that over the next few days.

“Still undecided,” Connor said. “Sit down with my family, the next couple days here, and we’ll come to a decision.

“I think it’s just whether it’s right for me, best for my development…we’ll talk about everything. It’s a family decision.”

Connor audio shared with MiHockey by the University of Michigan athletic communications department.