By Matt Stefano
He was about to enter his rookie season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League this year, but now he’s a member of the Soo Thunderbirds!
The Soo Thunderbirds have announced on Wednesday that they have acquired 2003-birth-year defenceman Connor Healy from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Weyburn Red Wings in exchange for a player development fee.
“We are excited to welcome Connor and his family to Sault Ste. Marie,” said Soo Thunderbirds assistant coach and general manager Jamie Henderson. “Connor first and foremost is an excellent young man who will be a popular teammate. He will also help solidify our back end with his hard nose play.”
Healy, who is from Wausau, Wisconsin, stands 6’2 and weighs 185 pounds.
“I’m super pumped to be joining a super and historic program and I can’t wait to hit the ice,” Healy said.
The 18-year-old spent last season with the Wausau West High School Warriors hockey club, where he finished second in team scoring with 34 points, including 13 goals and 21 assists in 18 regular season games.
He then found the back of the net twice in two playoff games with them during the 2021 postseason.
“Last year was a great year playing for my highschool,” Healy said. “Unfortunately the season didn’t end the way we would’ve liked, but we still played our hearts out and that’s all that matters.”
Last season, Healy also served as the Warriors team captain.
“It felt great to be able to wear the ‘C’ for one of Wisconsin’s best high school programs. I learned a lot throughout my four years in highschool and I tried my best to pass on everything I learned to the younger players,” Healy said.
During the 2020-2021 season, Healy also appeared in 8 regular season games with the Minnesota Magicians Under-18 AAA club, where he found the back of the net once and set up another.
“Playing for the Magicians was a great experience. We also had some great competition and I enjoyed it,” Healy said.
Healy, who just turned 18-years-old back on January 24, is now currently the oldest defenceman on the Soo Thunderbirds roster.
“This year, the fans can expect that I will give 100% all the time and will do whatever it takes to get the wins,” Healy said. “You can’t make guarantees regarding the outcome of the game, but you can give your best effort night in and night out and that’s what I plan to do.”
