After one of the most productive seasons in program history, junior forward Shane Conacher (Burlington, Ontario) of the Canisius College hockey team has signed a contract with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, forgoing his final season with the Golden Griffins.
Conacher recorded 106 points on 37 goals and 69 assists in his three seasons in the Blue and Gold. He joined his brother, Cory, as the only Griffs to reach 100 points during their junior campaign and his 106 points are the most by a Canisius student-athlete in his first three seasons on campus.
“We are extremely happy for Shane as he continues his career at the next level,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. “He has helped elevate our program during his three years here and I’m excited to see him continue that success as a pro. We have accomplished a lot with the Conacher family at Canisius and it will be fun to see if Shane can reach the level his brother did after a successful collegiate career with the Griffs.”
A first-team All-Atlantic Hockey selection as a junior, Conacher led the Griffs with 46 points, 20 goals and 26 assists during the 2015-16 campaign, ranking 11th nationally in points, 14th in goals and 22nd in assists in addition to placing eighth with six game-winning tallies. His 46 points are also the third most in the program’s history.
Shane’s brother, Cory, graduated from Canisius with 12 school records in 2011. He became the fourth player in AHL history to earn MVP and Rookie of the Year accolades in the same season, while leading Norfolk to the Calder Cup in 2012, before spending time with four teams in the National Hockey League.
The Marlies are the top affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. Conacher is set to make his professional debut on Saturday as the Marlies host the St. John’s Ice Caps.
