Connor Wilson Invited To Hurricanes Rookie Camp

Press Release

Bensenville, IL (June 29, 2011) - The Chicago Steel are proud to announce that goalie Connor Wilson has been selected to participate in the Carolina Hurricanes' 2011 Rookie Camp. Wilson, who will be attending Yale University next season, holds the Chicago Steel record for saves, minutes played and games started.

Having grown up less than five miles from the RBC Center where the Hurricanes play their home games, it's a dream come true for the Cary, North Carolina native.

"This feels really great," Wilson said. "This is something I dreamt of as a kid and to get to skate with the Hurricanes' organization is going to be an unbelievable experience."

"My parents are very happy for me and they deserve a lot of the credit as well. They've supported me throughout my hockey career and provided me with the opportunity to play at a high level."

His parents, Dave and Beth Wilson, have been Hurricanes season ticket holders since the club's inception in 1997. They are considered legacy ticket holders and are looking forward to watching Connor take to the ice in a Carolina uniform.

"My wife and I are very proud of Connor," Dave Wilson said. "He has been very dedicated to the Chicago Steel. Connor has always had a great work ethic and plays with a lot of heart."

"Very few kids who grow up in the south make it to an elite level of hockey. For Connor to make it to the USHL and now have the chance to participate in Carolina's Rookie Camp is a very prestigious honor."

Wilson lead the USHL this season in games played, and was second in both saves and minutes played. He recorded 30-plus saves in 19 games in 2010-11, including a 49 save performance against the Youngstown Phantoms on Feb. 26.

"We are very excited for Connor," Chicago Steel Goaltending Coach Kelly Gee said. "He is a very deserving player for all the hard work that he has put in over the last two years. He has a tremendous ability to play the position. That paired up with his passion for the game will give him a legitimate shot at playing in the National Hockey League when his collegiate career is over."

Rookie camps are held every year prior to the start of the NHL season and are utilized by the hockey operations staff to evaluate recent draft picks and top prospects. The camp includes on- ice practice sessions, scrimmages and culminates with a game against an opposing NHL team�s rookies.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)