By Dhiren Mahiban /
In his first 55 games in the WHL, defenceman Kevin Connauton has managed to adjust his game from the college level to the much more demanding Major Junior game while being an offensive presence in the Vancouver Giants line-up.
The 6-1, 196-pound Canucks prospect currently sits in second in both rookie scoring and defensive scoring in the entire league with 21 goals and 59 points (as of Feb. 9).
“I think he’s becoming more of a consistent player, he’s becoming more responsible in his own end and he’s very talented when he has the puck on his stick,” said G-Men bench boss Don Hay. “I think his big thing is to continue to improve and be a good solid two-way player that’s very responsible and trustworthy.”
According to Connauton, who played last season with Western Michigan University, before being selected in the third-round (83rd overall) by the Vancouver Canucks, the schedule hasn’t been as demanding as most people made it out to be.
“A lot of people have been asking me about that – it’s harder than college, but I only played one season of college so its not like my body was too used to that short schedule,” said the Edmonton-native. “We were on the ice every day last year and I trained hard this summer so I was ready for it.”
Heading into the draft, and then again into the season, the scouting report on Connauton was that his game in his own end needed to improve. The blueliner isn’t the physical type, is known for his offensive abilities and isn’t afraid to jump in the rush.
However, according to Hay, Connauton’s defensive struggles don’t stem from the 19-year-old’s willingness to join the rush.
“I think he jumps up at the right times. I don’t think jumping up and being better defensively really go hand-in-hand,” said Hay.
“I think he just has to be more consistent defensively and erase little mistakes or maybe being in a bit better position would really benefit his game.”
Through the first three-quarters of the season, Connauton says he’s happy with the progress he’s made in the WHL.
“A big reason I came here was to improve my game inside my own blueline and I think I have substantially over the last couple of months.
“I’m feeling comfortable out there and getting a lot of positive feedback.”
Machacek visits
Vancouver got a visit from one of their alumni last week when the Giants hosted the Lethbridge Hurricanes – former captain and a member of the 2007 Memorial Cup Champions Spencer Machacek dropped the puck in a ceremonial faceoff.
The game was extra special for Machacek whose younger brother Cason mans the blueline for the Hurricanes.
“It was good to see my little brother and the Giants play,” Spencer Machacek said. “I haven’t seen my little brother or the Giants play for a little while so it was a good experience and I was glad I got to do that.”
Machacek, an Atlanta Thrashers prospect, was in town with the Chicago Wolves who were playing two games in Abbotsford against the Heat. |