2014 | Michigan | BOYS

West Bloomfield High School | West Bloomfield Lakers | BOYS

Connor Schram is an extraordinary person and represents everything that coaches would like from their players.  Hard work, persistence, and leadership are the foundation of Connor’s character.  What Connor may lack in individual skills, Connor makes up with leadership.  

As team Captain during his Junior year, Connor’s leadership drove the team to the State Quarterfinals in 2013, something that had not been done in quite some time.  Connor, naturally a forward, played his entire Junior season on defense, a position he had never played before.  The team had 12 seniors, many that could not or would not play defense. Connor never complained, as he always is willing to do what is best for the team.  Throughout the season Connor sacrificed personal happiness for the betterment of the team.  In the end, they enjoyed great success.

In Connor’s senior campaign, he is one of only two seniors, a much different team than the year prior.  On a team of just 6 upper class men, there have been bumps in the road during the 2013-2014 season (3-17-0 record as of 2/5/14).  Most impressive is how Connor has handled the challenges and struggles with such a young team.  Connor regularly will take players aside and review plays, look at what wrong, and make sure his teammates know how important they are to the team – no matter what had happened on the ice.  Connor is mature beyond his years, and recognizes the importance of the journey of a season by taking pride in working through challenges.  No matter what the scoreboard says, Connor gives his team everything he has, and his players respond.  

Connor may or may not take hockey to a higher level after this year, but his character and integrity will take Connor very far in life.  I am very lucky to be Connor’s coach and will always appreciate what Connor brought to his team – passion, maturity, respect, and dedication.