Cam Connor

Cameron Duncan Connor was born on August 10, 1954, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. His professional ice hockey career began with significant junior success, culminating in his captaincy of the Flin Flon Bombers in the WCHL, where he scored 47 goals and 44 assists in 65 games during the 1973-74 season, alongside accumulating 376 penalty minutes. That same year, Connor was recognized for his abilities by being named the WCHL Rookie of the Year and selected to the WCHL All-Star Game. His performance led to him being a highly sought-after player, drafted by the Montreal Canadiens as the 5th overall pick in the 1974 NHL amateur draft and by the Phoenix Roadrunners as the 4th overall pick in the 1974 WHA Secret Amateur Draft. Connor ultimately chose to start his professional career in the World Hockey Association.

Connor’s WHA journey commenced with the Phoenix Roadrunners, followed by a period with the Houston Aeros where he played alongside hockey legend Gordie Howe and his sons. During his time in the WHA, he achieved significant recognition, including being selected to the 1977 WHA All-Star Team. After the Houston Aeros folded, Connor transitioned to the NHL, joining the Montreal Canadiens in the 1978-79 season. He contributed to the Canadiens’ success, including a memorable double overtime playoff goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and was part of the Stanley Cup-winning team in 1979. Despite initial league rules related to playing time, his teammates’ advocacy ensured his name was engraved on the Stanley Cup. His career continued with the Edmonton Oilers, making him one of two players to have played with both Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe, and later with the New York Rangers. Injuries marked his time with the Rangers, and he concluded his playing career with the Tulsa Oilers, securing an Adams Cup with them in 1984.

Following his retirement from playing, Connor remained involved in hockey, serving as an assistant coach for the American Hockey League’s New Haven Nighthawks. He was also selected to the Montreal Canadiens legends team for the first Heritage Classic in 2003, highlighting his dual legacy with both the Canadiens and the Oilers. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Connor was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016. Today, he engages in motivational speaking and hosts the “View from the Penalty Box” podcast, sharing his experiences and insights from his hockey career.