Conner finds home with Penguins

Chris Conner
Chris Conner

Former Michigan Tech hockey forward Chris Conner is feeling right at home in the ‘Steel City.” The former Husky is playing alongside of Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Conner has played in sixteen games this season for the Penguins. He has scored three goals and one assist for a total of four points. The Westland, Mich. native played at Michigan Tech from 2002-06. Conner scored 69 goals while playing for the Huskies.

“I had a great experience there. The program there was really high-end and I had a great time,” said Conner about his playing days at MTU.

Conner has floated between the NHL and the minor leagues since 2006. He has played for the Dallas Stars, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Red Wings.

The 30 year-old forward is back for his second stint with the Penguins. Conner still stays in touch with a few of his former teammates at Michigan Tech.

“Most of the people from my class I text once in a while. Brandon Schwartz was actually the best man at my wedding, so we still talk once a week,” said Conner.”I thought that the WCHA was the best league. Playing against high-end players every night obviously made me better and prepared me for the next level where every player is very good and driving to be the best.”

Conner and the Penguins are next in action on Friday, Dec. 27 at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.