Introduction:
Connor Brown is set to make his NHL Stanley Cup final game seven debut; the biggest game of his career. At the end of game six he was being interviewed by Jamie Hersh after game six which saw the Edmonton Oilers tie the series 3-3 against the Florida Panthers and in this interview he was seen rocking a tie with the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Fife Flyers logo on it.
OHL Career:
Connor Brown is a Canadian forward from Etobicoke and he grew up watching ice hockey in Canada and he began playing at a young age. He followed the route most hockey players do with high school, junior, college and then most of the time professional. Brown was fortunate to be drafted into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 13th round of the priority draft to the Erie Otters in the 2011/12 season (Mike Cazzola (former Edinburgh Capitals and Fife Flyers forward) was also on the Erie Otters roster that season). Brown had a fabulous rookie season leading his team in points (Pts) with 53 Pts in 68 games. He would carry this successful over to the 13/14 season where he picked up not 1, not 2 but 6 awards these being; CHL Top Scorer Award (128Pts); OHL First All-Star Team; OHL Most Assist (A) (83); OHL Most Outstanding Player (Red Tilson Trophy); OHL Most Points (Eddie Powers Trophy) (128); and OHL Top Scoring Right Winger (Jim Mahon Trophy).
NHL Career So Far:
In 2012 Connor Brown was selected 156th overall in the sixth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL draft. He wouldn’t make the jump to the NHL until the 2015/16 season where he played seven games with the team where he demonstrated his key passing skills which he had been developing in the AHL; he would finish those seven games with a point per game (PPG) average of 0.86. He had put up six points in seven games which 80% of them were assists (A). One season later he made a leap and played his first full NHL season with the Maple Leafs where he secured 36 crucial points which 20 of were goals (G) and 14A. He would stick with the Maple Leafs organisation for the next two more seasons totalling up 164 games and 57 points to give him a PPG average of 0.35. Brown would get traded across Canada to the Ottawa Senators for the next three seasons. His first season with them was his best season in the NHL where he put up a career high of 43 points in 71 games for a PPG average of 0.61 and he scored 16G and 27A. In the 21/22 season Brown was named the alternative captain of the Senators and he led by example on the ice and became a regular role model. He would demonstrate his great offensive read on the ice to pick up 29A.
Sadly he would only play four games the following season after he made a move to the Washington Capitals as he was sidelined with a torn ACL. Fans were concerned about his future and so were the Capitals as they shipped him off to the Edmonton Oilers where he would make a return to the ice and play 71 out of 82 games that season however he only put up 12 points but; he has been crucial to them in the playoffs as he has played 18 games putting up six points.
Relation To The Fife Flyers:
Connor Brown was seen to be wearing a tie with EIHL side the Fife Flyers and fans started to wonder what his connection to the team is. This tie he was wearing is his father’s tie and his father is none other than Fife Flyers legend Dam Brown. Dan signed for the Fife Flyers in the 1984/85 season in the British Hockey League (BHL). Dan would be the 4th best player that season for points which saw him put up a groundbreaking 157 points in only 35 games for a PPG average of 4.49; he was tied with Durham Wasps forward Jamie Craiper who was only ahead of Dan because instead of 82G and 75A he had 83G and 74A. Dan Brown would return again for the 1985/86 season which saw him put up another stellar season with 167 Pts in 36 games.
Dan Brown who was a key player to the Fife Flyers 84/85 Scottish Cup and British Championship. He would go on to retire with the club at the end of the 85/86 season with a total of 71 games with 194 Pts for a PPG average of 4.14; which is almost unheard of now.
Conclusion:
Connor Brown's journey to the Stanley Cup final is a testament to his hard work and dedication, reflecting the legacy of his father, Dan Brown. Wearing the Fife Flyers tie is more than just a fashion statement; it's a heartfelt tribute to his father's remarkable career and the values instilled in him from a young age. As Connor steps onto the ice for the biggest game of his career, he carries with him not only his personal achievements but also the rich history and pride of the Fife Flyers. This connection serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of family and legacy in the world of sports. Whether he wins or loses, Connor Brown’s story is already a victory, bridging generations of hockey excellence and passion.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Calan Yule
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
Comments