Providence received a commitment from ’03 defenseman Connor Pelc (3.5 stars) last week. The New York native had 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) in 20 games for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres 15U team last season and is slated to suit up for the Jr. Sabres’ 16U team this season. At this past summer’s Select 16 camp, Pelc had four assists in five games.
We last saw Pelc at the Mini Chowder Cup in August, where he was graded as B+.
“Strong right-shot winger that gets up and down the wing well,” our scouts wrote. “He plays physical and uses his body very effectively when getting to the net. He shoots from all over the ice and constantly gets pucks to the net. He uses his reach well to protect the puck and is effective along the walls.”
Pelc gave Neutral Zone an exclusive interview this week …
NZ: Every player is different obviously, and there are advantages to both the OHL and college hockey. But for you, being selected by Hamilton, what made the college route more attractive for you?
Pelc: “Every player is different, but for me, education in the future is just as important as playing hockey. The Bulldogs are an amazing organization, but for me specifically, the NCAA was a no-brainer.”
NZ: The kids you grew up playing with, is it relatively split where they’re choosing to go as far as the OHL or NCAA? You’re in that part of the country, right on the border, where it tends to be split, right? When did the college interest start to pick up for you?
Pelc: “When I was 13 and 14 years old playing for the Buffalo Regals in the SCTA league, we were always in Canada and always playing in front of OHL scouts. But once I joined the Jr. Sabres, I knew from there I wanted to go to college. Especially after many events where I talked to college coaches.
“Also, I was influenced to play college hockey a lot playing alongside Matt Dibble with Roc City Elite, who has a lot to do with me getting college exposure and he’s one of the reasons why I leaned towards college.”
NZ: As you were going through the recruiting process what stood out about Providence and ultimately what made you decide to commit to the Friars?
Pelc: “I committed to Providence was for many reasons. Some of the things that I loved were how small the school was, but at the same time, what a big-time school it is. Going to a school like Providence you become part of its community and get to know everyone very well versus a bigger school, where you could possibly just become a number. Also, the coaching staff at Providence is amazing. Numbers don’t lie with how successful they have been.”
NZ: What was some of the best feedback or advice you were given during the process? Either by a coach, or someone else.
Pelc: “Every coach or scout has something different to say about the path you take, but some of the best advice I ever got was from my family. They have always told me to go where my heart wants to go. There is no need to listen to other peoples’ thoughts on where you should play hockey and where you should invest your future. When it comes down to it, it’s your life and your future, so I went where I know I will be happy.”
NZ: How would you describe yourself as a player? What do you see as being your strengths?
Pelc: “Some of my strengths are using my big body, but also having speed with skill. Growing up I worked on my shot a lot and it paid off, now being able to shoot with a good chance of scoring from anywhere on the ice. Also, I’ve watched a lot of film to get to see and know the game better.”
NZ: You have really good size for an ’03 … college-level size already. That has to be a big advantage for you at the U15 and U16 levels. Where are some of the biggest areas you’re looking to improve this year?
Pelc: “When I was a kid I was able to dominate being a bigger kid. Now, everyone is equally as good and every player has something that makes them special. So down the road, I want to work on everything in my game to make myself a complete player. Whether that is defensive zone or something as easy as becoming a better leader, as you move on in hockey it’s the little things that separate you from another player.”
