BRYAN WILSON – 10.24.2023
Connor Zary is making a statement this season.
With eight points (8a) in four games, Zary currently sits second in AHL scoring.
He received a lengthy look during the recent Flames training camp and has since continued to impress with the Wranglers out of the gates this season, not only with his point production, but his overall game.
Just an example of hard work paying off for the Flames 2020, 24th-overall pick (1st Round).
“I worked a lot on my strength and on my skating, those were the two main things,” Zary explained. “I think, just always playing the game fast. You want to play the game fast, make the first play as quick as you can and get up the ice. I think that’s been huge for me in the first four games and I look to continue that.”
“We’re finding our game.”
WTV host @LivMae10 chats with Connor Zary about his hot start to the season. pic.twitter.com/301XHYkIvZ
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) October 23, 2023
The 21-year-old appeared in all 72 regular-season games for the Wranglers last year and finished second in team scoring with 21 goals and 58 points in his rookie season.
He’s still searching for his first goal this season, sure, but with eight helpers already, including a four-assist night against the Canucks on Saturday, Zary is feeling content about where he and his teammates are at offensively.
“I think as a team, we’re finding our game,” he said. “When we get our opportunities in the offensive zone, as a line collectively we’ve been able to make some plays.”
Zary notched eight powerplay goals last season and is once again contributing to the Wranglers powerplay success this campaign, assisting on 75 % of the powerplay goals (3-of-4) scored thus far.
✌️for 👏ka pic.twitter.com/hm2B1iGUkU
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) October 21, 2023
Calgary currently operates the third best powerplay in the league, operating at 33.3% efficiency with the man advantage.
“As a group, we know we can compete against anyone,” Zary explained. “If we stick to our game and play our systems the right way we’re going to be in a good spot.
“I think, definitely, it’s a great start.”
