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University of Massachusets Athletics
Connors Becomes 20th Minuteman Of Carvel Era To Sign NHL Contract, Inking Deal With LA Kings
April 03, 2025 | Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey junior forward Kenny Connors has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings, the organization announced on Thursday. Connors, who forgoes his final season of collegiate eligibility, becomes the 20th player in head coach Greg Carvel's UMass tenure to sign an NHL contract. He was originally taken by the Kings in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, 103rd overall.
"Kenny has been a top-line player for us since the day he stepped on campus," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. After three years of playing a significant role, both offensively and defensively, Kenny has earned a contract with the LA Kings and becomes the fifth forward from this year's team to sign an NHL contract. Kenny also did an excellent job serving as a leader on this year's team, was a selfless teammate, and was instrumental in UMass returning to the NCAA Tournament again. Kenny is the definition of a power forward and his battle level on the ice always had an impact on the game."
"I'm so grateful to everyone who made my time at UMass so special," said Connors. "Thank you to all my teammates for the unforgettable memories we've created together that will last a lifetime. To the coaches and staff, thank you for helping me grow as a person, for believing in me, and for teaching me lessons that will extend far beyond the ice. UMass will always hold a special place in my heart and I couldn't be more proud to be a Minuteman."
Connors logged 77 points over 109 career games on 26 goals and 51 assists over three seasons at UMass and was + 2 with five power-play goals, one shorthanded tally and nine game winners. His nine game-winning goals ranks second all-time for a career in program history. As a freshman in 2022-23, the Glen Mills, Pennsylvania native was selected to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
This season Connors put up career highs in goals (10), assists (19) and points (29) over 40 games. He was +4 with two power-play goals and four game winners.
"Kenny has been a top-line player for us since the day he stepped on campus," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. After three years of playing a significant role, both offensively and defensively, Kenny has earned a contract with the LA Kings and becomes the fifth forward from this year's team to sign an NHL contract. Kenny also did an excellent job serving as a leader on this year's team, was a selfless teammate, and was instrumental in UMass returning to the NCAA Tournament again. Kenny is the definition of a power forward and his battle level on the ice always had an impact on the game."
"I'm so grateful to everyone who made my time at UMass so special," said Connors. "Thank you to all my teammates for the unforgettable memories we've created together that will last a lifetime. To the coaches and staff, thank you for helping me grow as a person, for believing in me, and for teaching me lessons that will extend far beyond the ice. UMass will always hold a special place in my heart and I couldn't be more proud to be a Minuteman."
Connors logged 77 points over 109 career games on 26 goals and 51 assists over three seasons at UMass and was + 2 with five power-play goals, one shorthanded tally and nine game winners. His nine game-winning goals ranks second all-time for a career in program history. As a freshman in 2022-23, the Glen Mills, Pennsylvania native was selected to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
This season Connors put up career highs in goals (10), assists (19) and points (29) over 40 games. He was +4 with two power-play goals and four game winners.
Players Mentioned
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