Connor Haney
Welcome back to another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! In this blog you will be able to shortly meet Nevada born defenseman turned Czech3 team mate Connor Haney. Unfortunately, we almost never hear of American junior players traveling over to Europe and playing on foreign teams as often as we do as the Swedes, Finns, or Eastern Europeans such as Russian, Ukrainian, or Czechs. Luckily, I was able to do just the opposite of what I normally do. I was able to talk with Connor Haney about his experiences going to the Czech Republic. I have watched Connor play for the Seattle Totems for about 2 seasons now and I have been impressed with his style of play ever since. Connor is 6 ft 6 in, 201 lbs, is from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and has everything a team would want. First off, his size is one thing that teams would love to have. A big frame is able to do bigger damage to opposing teams and that is exactly what Haney does during his games. He is always dependable to go from his scoring game to his physical game. Last season he was Captain of the Totems and for good reason. He can flip a switch and go easily back and forth between aggression and finesse and that is definitely what is common in NHL teams. Connor is one of those players that will in no doubt make an impact with his hockey career. In the 2012-2013 season alone, he had 19 goals in 45 games played, 23 assists, 42 TPs, and 51 PIMs. As a constant blue liner, that is very impressive. Usually you don't see these many points racked up as a defenseman until you reach the higher level of juniors or even the show itself. Haney has amazing quick skates, soft mitts, a very high hockey IQ, and connects well with anyone he plays with. He is definitely one of those players that will go out on the ice and make things happen no matter what it takes to do it. I believe that Haney is one of those players that younger players should look up to and watch to pick up skills from. Without any more delay, here is Connor!
Biscuits: How did you get the chance to head over to Prague?
Haney: I played with a guy who's dad was a coach there and saw me play and got me into camp and I went to camp and made it
Biscuits: Do you prefer European hockey to US hockey now and why?
Haney: I prefer American hockey because I miss the physicality and style!
Biscuits: How has it been living in Prague for about 3 months?
Haney: It's awesome. I've been there since August. The city is a lot of fun, I never run out of things to do
Biscuits: How has your experience been with your team mates? Are there any barriers between you and the team?
Haney: It's been good. It was really difficult when I first got there because of the huge language barrier and very few guys speak English but it's definitely improved over time as has my Czech
Biscuits: Do you feel your game has changed any during your time in the Czech Republic?
Haney: Yeah, it's had to because of the larger rink and the game is much more puck possession so I've had to become more patient with the puck
Biscuits: I saw you attended a few KHL games, what was your reaction towards the KHL for the first time?
Haney: It's a lot of fun to watch. The fan atmosphere is amazing and the skill of the KHL is great, but I would rather be watching NHL games
Biscuits: In your opinion, why do you think we rarely hear of Americans traveling to Europe?
Haney: I think in the case of the Czech Republic, probably the language barrier and cultural differences, it takes a lot of time to adjust to the lifestyle
Biscuits: Would you recommend traveling to Europe for hockey to other players?
Haney: I don't think it's for everyone but it's an awesome experience and if the opportunity comes it's difficult to turn it down!
Biscuits: How has your stay in Prague changed your view on hockey?
Haney: It showed me a different atmosphere for hockey I had never seen before that I really like
Biscuits: What has been your most memorable experience with the team so far?
Haney: Probably playing against teams with ex-NHLers it's crazy to see people I used to watch on TV on other teams!
Biscuits: Do you see yourself ever playing in a European league again? What advice would you give to American players hoping/getting ready to play in Europe?
Haney: Yes I've already begun looking at places there as well as in the US for next year! I think to do their research before they go and get personal testimony because it's not always what you think it will be!
Biscuits and Breezers
Welcome back to another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! In this blog you will be able to shortly meet Nevada born defenseman turned Czech3 team mate Connor Haney. Unfortunately, we almost never hear of American junior players traveling over to Europe and playing on foreign teams as often as we do as the Swedes, Finns, or Eastern Europeans such as Russian, Ukrainian, or Czechs. Luckily, I was able to do just the opposite of what I normally do. I was able to talk with Connor Haney about his experiences going to the Czech Republic. I have watched Connor play for the Seattle Totems for about 2 seasons now and I have been impressed with his style of play ever since. Connor is 6 ft 6 in, 201 lbs, is from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and has everything a team would want. First off, his size is one thing that teams would love to have. A big frame is able to do bigger damage to opposing teams and that is exactly what Haney does during his games. He is always dependable to go from his scoring game to his physical game. Last season he was Captain of the Totems and for good reason. He can flip a switch and go easily back and forth between aggression and finesse and that is definitely what is common in NHL teams. Connor is one of those players that will in no doubt make an impact with his hockey career. In the 2012-2013 season alone, he had 19 goals in 45 games played, 23 assists, 42 TPs, and 51 PIMs. As a constant blue liner, that is very impressive. Usually you don't see these many points racked up as a defenseman until you reach the higher level of juniors or even the show itself. Haney has amazing quick skates, soft mitts, a very high hockey IQ, and connects well with anyone he plays with. He is definitely one of those players that will go out on the ice and make things happen no matter what it takes to do it. I believe that Haney is one of those players that younger players should look up to and watch to pick up skills from. Without any more delay, here is Connor!
Biscuits: How did you get the chance to head over to Prague?
Haney: I played with a guy who's dad was a coach there and saw me play and got me into camp and I went to camp and made it
Biscuits: Do you prefer European hockey to US hockey now and why?
Haney: I prefer American hockey because I miss the physicality and style!
Biscuits: How has it been living in Prague for about 3 months?
Haney: It's awesome. I've been there since August. The city is a lot of fun, I never run out of things to do
Biscuits: How has your experience been with your team mates? Are there any barriers between you and the team?
Haney: It's been good. It was really difficult when I first got there because of the huge language barrier and very few guys speak English but it's definitely improved over time as has my Czech
Biscuits: Do you feel your game has changed any during your time in the Czech Republic?
Haney: Yeah, it's had to because of the larger rink and the game is much more puck possession so I've had to become more patient with the puck
Biscuits: I saw you attended a few KHL games, what was your reaction towards the KHL for the first time?
Haney: It's a lot of fun to watch. The fan atmosphere is amazing and the skill of the KHL is great, but I would rather be watching NHL games
Biscuits: In your opinion, why do you think we rarely hear of Americans traveling to Europe?
Haney: I think in the case of the Czech Republic, probably the language barrier and cultural differences, it takes a lot of time to adjust to the lifestyle
Biscuits: Would you recommend traveling to Europe for hockey to other players?
Haney: I don't think it's for everyone but it's an awesome experience and if the opportunity comes it's difficult to turn it down!
Biscuits: How has your stay in Prague changed your view on hockey?
Haney: It showed me a different atmosphere for hockey I had never seen before that I really like
Biscuits: What has been your most memorable experience with the team so far?
Haney: Probably playing against teams with ex-NHLers it's crazy to see people I used to watch on TV on other teams!
Biscuits: Do you see yourself ever playing in a European league again? What advice would you give to American players hoping/getting ready to play in Europe?
Haney: Yes I've already begun looking at places there as well as in the US for next year! I think to do their research before they go and get personal testimony because it's not always what you think it will be!
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| (Credit to Connor Haney) |
Thank you very much Connor! It was great to talk with him and get his side of the story. I will be keeping track of his season in the Czech Republic and so should you! This season he is playing on the HC Klatovy Czech3 team so if you ever have time, check Connor out and see how and where his journey takes him!
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