(Photo/Video:Allyson Cummings/WCSN)
In hockey, a forward’s main objective is to assist on and score goals. Freshman forward Connor Mailey has never really assimilated to this image, calling himself a “defense-minded forward”.
Recently moved to the first line with Ryan Belonger and Liam Norris, Mailey will have plenty of opportunities this season to find an open man. Focusing more on his defense, Mailey prefers to spread the wealth than take it all for himself.
“I think I’m a 200-foot player and I’m a big defensive player,” Mailey said. “I think Coach [Powers] likes to think I’m a goal-scorer, I don’t like to think I’m a goal-scorer, I like to think I’m a setup man. I like to give guys the puck and play a defensive role.”
Hockey is a major part of Canadian culture and the sport of choice for most children. Like many others, Mailey grew up in a hockey family and laced up his skates at an early age.
“I grew up around it, and everyone wants to be the top Canadian player like Sidney Crosby or Joe Sakic. I grew up loving those players, and it pushed me to be a better player,” he said.
As the captain of his Alberta Junior Hockey League team last year, Mailey was the leader in the locker room. He found it was a bit of a transition to go from a leader to a newcomer.
“It’s a lot different, in juniors you’re 16 or 17 years old, and now I’m 21 years old. Everyone here is grown up and mature, so it’s easy to adapt to that,” Mailey said. “All the captains here do a really great job. I’m taking in what they’re saying and hopefully I can give it back my sophomore and junior year.”
Leaving the fights and the physical AJHL behind, Mailey was surprised at how skill-oriented players in the ACHA are.
“Here, people are very good with their sticks and in juniors it’s a lot about hitting and being physical and now it’s not that. It’s about being patient with the puck and finding the open man,” he said.
While some of the new recruits knew a current player when they transferred to Arizona State, Mailey brought his best friend with him.
Connor Mailey and Gianni Mangone have been friends and neighbors since their early childhood. Because they’ve played together and against each other throughout their careers, they’ve built a strong chemistry that translates on the ice.
“We know each other very well. It’s easy because you understand where he is on the ice, and it’s good to have someone you’re really close with on the team,” Mailey said.
The two have always talked about going to school and playing together at some point, and they both found Arizona State to be their best option.
“Ironically it worked out. He [Mangone] signed before I did so I guess you can say I followed him, but I don’t think that’s the case. We’re both very happy to be here,” he said.
After the team’s first loss against Central Oklahoma, Mailey and the Sun Devils found they needed to regroup and work harder; they could no longer rely just on their skill.
“It was a good loss for us, we’ve had a couple games where we weren’t performing and we ended up winning based on skill because we have a very skilled team,” Mailey said. “If we can put it all together and put some hard work and skill together then no one’s going to catch us, no one’s going to touch us.”
Mailey and the Sun Devils have a three-game home stand against Colorado and Colorado State this weekend. Catch the live broadcast at http://cronkitesports.com/live-broadcasts/.
You can reach Zuriel on Twitter @zurieloving or by email zloving@asu.edu.
