Name: Mike Connors

Age: 39 (Really!)

Position: Center

Left or Right Handed: Right

 

Background:

I was born a poor, black child (jk!)

Was born and raised in beautiful East Hartford, Ct. Played the usual street hockey growing up with home-made goalie pads and the like. Started Dek career in 1983 and besides a short hiatus in the mid 90's, have been at it ever since.

Now reside in Colchester, Ct with lovely wife, Liz, and children Rebecca (16) and Shawn (13). Hobbies include sports and sports memorabilia. Also enjoy quiet, candlelit dinners, walks on the beach and puppies!

 

(SI) I recently caught up with star Dragon centerman and EH King HOFer, Mike Connors. We sat down for a brief but informative interview.

 

(SI) Mike, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule. You came to the Dragons from a more storied and by all accounts legendary team. How was the transition from the EH Kings to the Dragons?

(MC) There was a break of a number of years between transitions. Probably the bigger challenge was getting back into "game" shape again. The transition to the new franchise was smooth; the Front Office was courteous and engaging. My new teammates were also very inviting and extremely talented. I felt very welcome and comfortable right away. Unfortunately, most of that talent has moved on, and I'm now stuck playing with a bunch of stiffs (hehe!).

 

(SI) Favorite Movie?

(MC) There are many. However, 4 that stand above are: Bull Durham, Goodfella's, Pulp Fiction & Shawshank Redemption.

 

(SI) What is the East Hartford Mafia and how did it come to be?

(MC) The name certainly was coined by the Dragon Front office and the large media horde (no pun intended) that follows the club. It signifies the presence of myself as well as other EH King legends, Dennis Connors and now Joe Morrissey.

 

(SI) Do you see yourself playing along side your kids ala Gordie Howe?

(MC) Probably not. Shawn Connors bright athletic future will be on the soccer field. Besides, what young athlete would want to be seen playing with a bunch of old men??

 

(SI) As a Red Sox fan, and as the Dragons now have actually won a couple (3) championships do you still hold out hope for the Sox?

(MC) Absolutely. Ironic, both USA Today and the Boston Globe have called new Red Sox GM Theo Epstein "The next Dave Carter"!! So a number of World Series Title's are imminent.

 

(SI) Your hockey playing days go back to the outdoor Bloomfield rink and through many of the CT rinks, how do they rate with one another?

(MC) When Bloomfield opened in '83, it was like heaven in comparison to the tennis courts and parking lots of our youth.

However, it was outdoors and roofless. Played in rain, snow and under the hot summer sun. Then to Waterbury which was much

bigger and had a roof (still open air). Then Plainville opened as the first completely indoor facility. It was almost too small, however.

I did play one season in Enfield and a couple in East Hartford. EH was the least superior of all. Very small rink, poor air flow on

hot days and horrible parking area. The best, by far, is the new Plainville rink, after it was enlarged. Plus the new, lighter colored

surface makes for the best and brightest play!

 

(SI) A number of current Dragons have ties back to Bloomfield do you remember playing against any of them?

(MC) I'm only aware of Jim Gaglione having Bloomfield experience. If he played for the Capital's, then he probably wants to forget the Kings, as we were their worst nightmare!! Of course the 80's were a blur as I was shrouded in the world of sex, drugs and Rock & Roll!! (ok, just rock & roll).

 

(SI) Hockey Role Model

(MC) Without question, ole' # 10, the great Ronnie Francis

 

(SI) Most memorable Dragon moment

Without question, game # 3 of the second Dragons championship v. Tsunami. Scored two third period goals and went on to capture Series MVP honors. Also, had a throng of family and friends (3 people) there to witness the magic.

 

(SI) What is your most memorable hockey (playing) moment (it does not have to be a Dragon moment)?

(MC) Certainly the moment mentioned above. However, also to include:

- Scoring the OT game-winner in game # 1 of finals for Kings. Ended up being the 13th and final Kings title.

- Being elected to the EH Kings Hall of Fame.

- Playing besides current Dragon HOFer Rit Carter and the legendary Zoo star, Doug Stewart.

 

(SI) And finally, if there you were told that the Dragons were only going to win 1 game ever again, which team would you want to beat?

(MC) Great question; there would be so many. However, silencing Team Arctic and all their annoying, flamboyant personalities in game 3 of championship # 3 stands out. Beating that squad is always a treat!

 

(SI) Mike, thanks for your time. The Dragons are lucky to have you. Continued Success!