Ice focus on their hockey futures

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This article was published 24/03/2020 (2353 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Connor McClennon had a lot at stake during the 2019-20 WHL season.

He was only 5-8 and 156 pounds but a strong start — he had 21 goals and 49 points in 42 games to lead the Winnipeg Ice in scoring — helped make him a prospect on the rise for the upcoming NHL draft.

Then, on Jan. 14, disaster struck. Hit from behind in a game against the Prince George Cougars, the 17-year-old right-winger suffered a broken collarbone that was expected to end his regular season.

“Everyone’s in the same boat– locked up in their house — but I think the more you’re able to do and more you’re able to stay in shape, the easier it’ll be when we’re back to playing.”
– Connor McClennon

On Monday, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Canadian Hockey League to cancel the rest of the regular season and playoffs.

“It’s definitely hard because I was looking forward to getting back and playing,” said McClennon, who had received medical clearance to return to the lineup on March 17 in Moose Jaw. “You have to look past it. Everyone’s going through it. It’s frustrating but it’s out of our hands.”

Last week, McClennon returned to Wainwright, Alta., where he lives with his family on an acreage that includes an elk ranch. Preparing for the draft and keeping fit has become a pretty basic exercise.

He can shoot pucks in the basement of his house and run on the farm. The advice he received from his agent, Kevin Epp of Titan Sports Management, was similar to what he received from the Ice coaching staff.

“You’ve got to motivate yourself to do whatever you can,” said McClennon. “Everyone’s in the same boat — locked up in their house — but I think the more you’re able to do and more you’re able to stay in shape, the easier it’ll be when we’re back to playing.”

While McClennon has at least two years of junior eligibility remaining, the club’s three overage players weren’t so lucky. Forward Isaac Johnson, goaltender Liam Hughes and defenceman Reece Harsch were all left with unfinished business and a playoff team that was second in the East Division when the season was halted.

Hughes, who came out of retirement to play a very important role with the Ice, has enlisted agent Dan Bonar to help him find a pro job.

“This whole virus outbreak was a shock to all of us 20s and we thought it would be over quickly and we’d get a chance to play again,” said Hughes from Kelowna, B.C. “Obviously, I want to play pro and move on to the next level, whatever it is — Europe, ECHL — I just want a shot to prove I’m a pro-quality goaltender that can work my way up.”

Johnson also has pro aspirations after leading the Ice in scoring with 73 points, including 28 goals, in 62 games.

“It gives me more time to really think about the decision and what’s best for me,” said Johnson from Andover, Minn. “Obviously, it’s a sad way to end (the season) but there’s nothing we can do.”

His season total, which was 25 points better than his previous career high, should help to generate pro interest.

Ice general manager Matt Cockell said the disappointment of losing the season pales in comparison to the health crisis sweeping the globe.

“When you think about the health-care professionals and what they’re doing on a daily basis, in the big scheme of things the season coming to a close is really small in comparison to the lives and what people are sacrificing right now for our communities,” said Cockell.

Meanwhile, the team’s entire staff has been working from home to comply with Manitoba Health regulations. Cockell was asked if he is contemplating layoffs if the health crisis continues long term.

“I think we’re going to have to consider all sorts of different options and try to get as creative as possible but those are things we’ll have to continue to evaluate and take a look at,” said Cockell. “There’s no question the uncertainty is impacting everybody.”

NOTEWORTHY: the WHL will be holding its bantam draft lottery for the six lowest-placed teams this morning. The two-round U.S. Prospects Draft will follow. Winnipeg chooses sixth and 39th overall.

 

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14