As Connor Mariner started wrapping up his final junior hockey season in 2023-24 with the NCDC’s Utah Outliers, the Broomfield native began making moves to prepare for his future.

Mariner found everything he was looking for at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, an NCAA Division III program.

“It all started a year or two ago when I had emailed them that I was interested in their school and program,” said Mariner. “They pretty much said they’d keep an eye on my career. Fast forward to when I was in the NCDC with the Utah Outliers and my GM Kevin McCloskey asked what type of school I wanted to be at. I basically described UW-Stout. After playoffs, they thought I deserved a spot and offered me to go. I did a little research, but I’ve just heard great things about the hockey program, saw the stories and paths of past teammates, and seemed like it would be a good fit.

“Also, I really wanted to study Construction Management and came to find out they have a special program just for that major and it is a big thing here and they take pride in their students. So that made the decision pretty easy. Academics have always been a priority. It has been a couple years since I was in school last, but I am excited to get back in the swing of things.”

Mariner said he started playing hockey at the old Boulder Bison rink in Superior, and that’s because his father put him on skates because he loved hockey, and “it kind of just stuck with me.”

Born in Boulder, Mariner has lived in Broomfield for most of his life.

Once hockey started to be a passion for Mariner, he played for the Boulder Bison, Colorado Springs Tigers, and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders in Colorado.

“I can thank many coaches throughout my time there, but I would like to say that Bobby Dominski was a great coach, made me love the game,” said Mariner. “Chris Lockrem, many skills nights working on just about anything, James Mecure helped me play and learn defense and lastly, Doug Smail, who I developed the most under him and gave me a chance when no one would.”

Going forward, Mariner is elated for what his opportunities and possibilities are, both on and off the ice.

“My whole goal throughout my career was to play college hockey and now that I have met that goal, I have to create new ones,” Mariner said. “One short-term goal for hockey is to just come practice at 100%, try my hardest, and give all my effort every day. I also use that mindset in class, too. If I’m not at hockey or working out, I’m studying or doing homework, just to be better every day. Long-term goal for hockey is to win. I want this team to be good. I’ve met all the guys and we’ll be a great group. For school, I want to maintain at least a 3.3 GPA and above and get my bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.”

Photo/Ellie Mitchell

— Matt Mackinder

(September 24, 2024)