Connor Hobbs adjusting to life in the American Hockey League

Connor Hobbs introduced himself to the Hershey Bears fan base Saturday night with a huge hit on Wilkes-Barre defenseman Jeff Taylor. Hobbs stopped Taylor in is tracks, but the hit came after Taylor missed the puck, and it’s not something Hobbs is too proud about.

“I think tonight’s hit was a little bit – pretty dirty on my part,” he said after the game. “The puck was long gone. I just kind of decided to commit to it and keep going and just finish it anyway.”

While the rookie defenseman was penalized for the play, he did find himself contributing, helping set up Chris Bourque’s game-tying goal with under two minutes left in regulation.

The 20-year-old comes from the Regina Pats of the WHL where he set a team record for goals by a defenseman with 31 last season. Now, he has to adjust to playing at a new level.

“It’s not the first time I’ve made a jump up. It’s very similar when you’re going in Canada from midget to juniors. It’s the same kind of thing. You have to know your role and know what you’ve got to do, and what you have to be careful with balancing [learning and contributing].

“It’s definitely faster here. Bigger, faster, guys are stronger, smarter. It’s a learning process for me. We have the best coaching staff. It’s amazing. They’re here to help me, and I just try to learn as much as I can from them and get better.”