Craig Conn, who began his NLL career at 19-years old, hopes to hoist his first Champion's Cup with the Sting, when they host the Rochester Knighthawks on Saturday. Conn and the Sting lost to Toronto in the 2005 final.
CRAIG CONN AT HOME IN THE DESERT
23-year old thrilled to be a part of veteran team
05/07/2007
In his four years playing in the National Lacrosse League, Craig Conn is a fairly well-traveled player. After stints with expansion teams in Vancouver and Minnesota, Conn landed in Arizona after a trade deadline deal in 2005, and has been a franchise player with the Sting ever since.Conn entered the NLL draft in 2003, renouncing his remaining NCAA eligibility after two years at UMass. At 19-years old, he was selected in the first round at fourth overall by Vancouver. Rochester selected Scott Evans fifth overall.
"When I went to UMass I was pretty young," said Conn. "I might have had a little too much fun. But it made me a stronger person, getting out of the house and being independant."
Conn earned All-Rookie honors in the NLL after a 19-goal season, and had 14 goals in his second year with the Swarm before being dealt to Arizona at the trade deadline. Minnesota was only 2-9 at the time, while Arizona was in the heart of the playoff race. Arizona parted ways with two first-round draft picks for the young star.
"In Minnesota we were a very young team," said Conn. "Here in Arizona we have a lot of leadership, a lot of veterans. There's a really good atmosphere amongst our players."
At 21 years old, Conn played alongside predominantly veterans for the first time.
"I've been on a couple of teams in my short career so far," said Conn. "I had a lot of maturing to do and I was lucky to land in Arizona with a great group of guys and a great coaching staff. I feel like I've made a home here."
Seven players on the Sting are currently 30 or older, including Conn's assigned roommate, Peter Lough.
"Peter is a great roommate. He leads me in the right direction, that's for sure. If I cross the line he will let me know. He's still my roommate now and I think we get along really well together."
Conn led the charge as Arizona raised eyebrows on their way to the Championship Game in 2005. The Sting defeated the Colorado Mammoth in Gary Gait's final game as a player, and later upset the Calgary Roughnecks on the road. Craig was the story of the playoffs. After scoring 20 goals in each of his first two seasons, he exploded for 12 goals in the playoffs, averaging 4 per game to lead the Sting to the final.
He picked off where he left off to start the 2006 season, scoring a team-high 44 goals to lead Arizona's offense. The Sting fell one-goal shy of advancing back to the final, falling in Colorado to the eventual champions, 13-12. Conn was again a force in the post-season, averaging 3 goals per game.
"It helps playing with a lot of good players," said Conn. "Playing with Dan Dawson, Peter Veltman, they take a lot of the pressure away from you. It's hard to defend a team where everyone can score. I think that's our biggest strength on offense."
While his goal total has dipped back down to 21 in 2007, Conn has become a playmaker on a balanced Sting offense, as his assist total has risen to 55, good for 7th in the league.
"I'll do whatever I can for the team. I'll play whatever role I can."
Conn has maintained his post-season success in his new role, pitching in 9 assists to help his team to the final. If Conn and the Sting offense continue to perform on Saturday, he might finally raise the cup.
Not too shabby for a 23-year old.
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