Feature Story

Jack Connolly: A Stampede standout

 

By Jim Olander

 

In the land of 10,000 ponds, hockey is the norm in Minnesota and Duluth native Jack Connolly was no exception. In a state where you are practically born with a hockey stick in your hand, the first year Sioux Falls Stampede forward grew up playing in rinks all over Duluth with friends and his older brother Chris, a forward for the Omaha Lancers.

After playing youth hockey with Duluth East, Connolly made the decision to play high school hockey at Duluth Marshall, a decision that proved to be a good one. Connolly and the Hilltoppers made it to the state tournament and the Xcel Energy Center three years in a row, including last year’s second-place finish. 

“Up until now, it was the most fun I’ve had playing hockey,” said Connolly who posted 77 points (37g, 40a) in 31 games for the Hilltoppers last year. “Going to watch the other games and then know that you’re going to play in a few hours in front of all those people is just an awesome feeling.”

The Stampede’s first round draft pick (seventh overall) in the 2007 USHL Draft has had an immediate impact with the club this season, playing on the top line with veterans Nick Dineen and David Grun. Heading into this week, Connolly was third on the team in scoring with 20 points (8g, 12a) in 16 games.

“I was very nervous for the first game, the pace was twice as fast as high school and the players were twice as good, but I think I have adjusted well,” said Connolly.

He certainly has, but that’s no surprise to Stampede head coach/GM Kevin Hartzell.  “If we would have had the No. 1 pick in the draft, we would have taken him,” said Hartzell. “He has a great hockey sense, great vision and although he might not be the biggest guy on the ice, he can play with the bigger players in the league.”

Jack isn’t the only Connolly in the USHL who is posting impressive numbers. His older brother, Chris, leads the Lancers in scoring and has already committed to Boston University. 

“I really look up to him,” said Jack Connolly. “He’s in his third year of juniors and has worked really hard to get where he is. I’ve seen how hard he has worked and I am thankful for where I am today.”

As close as the two brothers are, it was all business when they faced each other on the ice earlier this season in Sioux Falls. “It’s a little weird facing him, but it’s a challenge and fun,” Jack said. “Up until this season I had never played against him, but we don’t really trash talk or anything, we just give each other a little smirk and focus on our game.” 

When Jack’s playing days in Sioux Falls come to an end he will head back home to attend Minnesota Duluth, a decision he made prior to joining the Stampede. “When I was younger, I always went to the games with my friends and family and I have always wanted to wear that UMD sweater.”

If he continues to put up impressive numbers and improve his game with the Stampede, UMD may just be the next stop in what will certainly be an impressive hockey career for the Duluth native.

 

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