Michigan Tech hockey players ink NHL deals

Courtesy of Michigan Tech University Athletics

HOUGHTON, Mich. — Three former Michigan Tech hockey players have recently signed NHL contracts: John Scott (2002-06) with the San Jose Sharks, Chris Conner (2002-06) with the Washington Capitals and Brett Olson (2008-12) with the Florida Panthers.

Scott, a 6-8 forward/defenseman, has played 236 games in the NHL with his most recent stop being in Buffalo. He started his NHL career in Minnesota
in 2008 and had stops with the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers before playing the last two seasons for the Sabres. The St. Catharines,
Ont., native owns two goals and four assists at the NHL level with 430 penalty minutes. In four years at Michigan Tech, Scott posted 7-12=19 in
126 games with 347 PIM. Scott’s contract is a one-year deal with the Sharks.

Conner, a 5-8 forward, spent last season in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, appearing in 19 games with four goals and five total points. He made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars in 2006 and played three seasons there before signing with the Penguins for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 campaigns. The Westland, Mich., native spent one season with the Detroit Red Wings and another with the Phoenix Coyotes before rejoining the Penguins in 2013-14. Conner played in 151 games at Michigan Tech with 129 career points on 69 goals and 60 assists. His contract with the Capitals is a one-year, two-way agreement.

Olson, a 6-0 center, played the two seasons since leaving Michigan Tech with the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League. In 145 career games, he recorded 62 points (25-37-62) and 69 PIM. During the 2013-14 season, Olson registered 17-27=44 in 75 contests while adding one goal in four playoff games. The Superior, Wis., native accumulated 42-51=93 in 127 games during his Michigan Tech career. His contract is a one-year, two-way deal with the Panthers.