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Tomorrow it is supposed to be zero degrees in
Johnstown, PA, but right now, it is just as cold, so I will bring you my
scouting report on Connor Lyons of the Michigan Warriors.
Lyons, a Davisburg, Mi native, is in his first
season with the Warriors.
He was a fourth round draft pick of Michigan in the
2012 North American Hockey League Entry Draft after spending the 2011-12 season
in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Soo Eagles.
Lyons scored 14 goals and 19 assists in 47 games for
the Soo and has brought that same production to the NAHL.
What impressed me about Lyons is his work ethic and
speed. He is one of the fastest skaters on the Warriors and he can do an
effective job of getting behind the opposing defenseman and beating them to
loose pucks.
His work ethic is superb. In fact, his blue-collar approach
to the game of hockey is the most impressive aspect of his game.
I personally love a player that is willing to pay
the price for the betterment of the team and Lyons fits that description.
While not the biggest forward, he is listed at 5-9
and 180 pounds, he is not afraid to play the body.
Lyons was featured on the power play and penalty killing
units, which speaks volumes on how much Moe Mantha trusts him.
He was also used in crunch time minutes and is a
good shutdown winger.
In game one of the series, Lyons scored two goals,
one of which came on the power play, the other an empty net. He also scored a
snipe goal in game two.
His wrist shot is very accurate and he possesses an
adequate slap shot.
This player has a sound two-way game, which college
scouts will drool over. Coaches like a hard-working player who can score goals
as well as defend properly and effectively.
As far as how he reads the game, his hockey sense is
very polished. He made few mistakes and the mistakes he made during the weekend
are coachable and nothing serious.
The biggest knock on him is his size and his
consistency as far as scoring is concerned. I believe fully in Connor Lyons'
ability to be a 20 goal or 25-goal scorer in the NAHL and his work ethic and tenacity
could get him there.
This kid has the heart and determination to play
hockey at the collegiate level.
Lyons could be a second line winger in college, but
his defensive ability may land him on a third line shutdown role, which is not
a bad spot to be.
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