Capitals Prospect Connor Hobbs Sets Franchise Scoring Record

The Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL) closed out their 2016-17 regular season with a 6-0 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday night. The final game also marked the end of a breakout season for Capitals prospect Connor Hobbs.

Hobbs, the Capitals fifth-round draft pick (143rd Overall) in 2015, set a new franchise record for goals by a defenseman in a season with his 31st goal of the season on Saturday night.

“I was just a twinkle in my dad’s eye,” Hobbs said with a laugh after he equalled the Pats 32-year-old record on Wednesday night in a 6-2 win over the Swift Current Broncos.

The Capitals signed Connor Hobbs to a three-year, entry-level contract, on July 1st, 2016.

The Capitals’ prospect is the first WHL defenceman to score 30 goals since former Saskatoon Blades star Stefan Elliott potted 31 in 2010-11.

Hobbs is also one of just four 80-point defenders in the past 25 years, joining Paul Postma of the Calgary Hitmen (84 in 2008-09), Elliott (81 in 2010-11) and Brenden Kichton of the Spokane Chiefs (81 in 2010-11 and 85 in 2012-13). Hobbs is expected to join the Hershey Bears next season.

The Pats distributed their end-of-year awards before the game on Saturday night, where Hobbs received the “top defenseman of the year” award.

The Pats will open the playoffs with a best-of-seven series at home against the Calgary Hitmen next Friday at the Brandt Centre.

By Jon Sorensen
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About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.

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