Reid Conn has played junior hockey in the NAHL and USHL the past two seasons.

After one more USHL campaign in 2023-24, the Centennial native will head to NCAA Division I hockey after recently committing to the University of New Hampshire.

“I went on a visit (to New Hampshire) and it checked the boxes for what I was looking for,” said Conn, who was born in Alaska before moving to Colorado when he was six. “I thought the location, academics, and size of the school are great. A lot appealed to me on the hockey side of things, including the resources, the program in general, the conference, staff, and the current players. I believe it’s important to have something to fall back on if hockey eventually ends.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me and supported me to this point, current and former coaches, teammates, and especially my family.”

Conn said his plan at UNH is to major in Business.

In 2021-22, Conn played for the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness before spending the 2022-23 season in the USHL with the Fargo Force and Chicago Steel. He’ll head back to Chicago for the upcoming 2023-24 season before starting at UNH with the 2024-25 season.

“Playing in the USHL really helped me develop to become the player I am today,” Conn said. “The resources and facilities we have in Chicago are next level, as everyone knows. You’re going to develop no matter what if you are willing to put in the work.”

Back in Colorado, Conn played for the Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Foothills Flyers, Colorado Evolution and Colorado Thunderbirds.

“I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and that’s where I started, skating on ponds and the frozen rinks outside ever since I could walk,” said Conn. “The Avs played a role my second Pee Wee year when my team won the Quebec Qualifier and we got to go represent that Avs in the Quebec tournament. I had great coaches throughout all my years that have all been great influences, including Milan Hejduk, Jan Hejda, Ken Klee, John Mitchell, and David Clarkson.”

Moving ahead, Conn has simple goals in mind.

“In the short term, I want to focus on getting better every day the rest of this summer,” Conn said. “Long term, I want to develop into a strong and reliable college hockey player.”

Photo/Chicago Steel Hockey Team

— Matt Mackinder

(August 2, 2023)