Chris Tanouye/Getty Images

As has been reported many times at stages throughout the 2019-20 season, the Capitals’ 2019 first-round pick (25th overall) Connor McMichael has had himself a banner year, that has seen him be named OHL Player of the Week multiple times, win a Gold Medal as a member of Team Canada’s 2020 World Junior team, and continue to develop as arguably Washington’s top prospect. On Saturday night, the high-scoring center recorded a hat trick in a game against the Saginaw Spirit.

The hat trick is is McMichael’s fourth of the season and in just 29 games played this season. The Knights would fall to the Spirit 6-5 despite the “hatty” and a late, game-tying goal by Ryan Merkeley.

His first tally came at the 0:30 second mark of the second period on the power play, and cut the Spirit’s lead to 2-1. The goal was McMichael’s 26th goal of the season and was assisted by Ryan Merkeley.

Connor McMichael scores on a power play 30 secs into the 2nd period. 2-1 Spirit now in Saginaw. pic.twitter.com/TqMXvZRHpR

— Mike Stubbs (@stubbs980) January 12, 2020

The soon-to-be 19-year old (January 15) would strike again 12:26 later, potting his second of the game against Saginaw goaltender Tristan Lennox for his 27th of the season, assisted by Liam Foudy, also a member of the World Junior, Gold Medal-winning team. The goal tied the Knights with Saginaw at 3-3.

Liam Foudy sets up Connor McMichael – 3-3 in Saginaw. pic.twitter.com/MOB3wjHjTU

— Mike Stubbs (@stubbs980) January 12, 2020

The tally that completed the hat trick came at the 2:13 mark of the final frame, on another assist by Foudy. The goal gave McMichael his 28th goal in just 29 games this season, and gave the Knights a 4-3 lead at the time.

Connor McMichael completes the hat trick. 4-3 Knights. pic.twitter.com/NJ0hsq6x4z

— Mike Stubbs (@stubbs980) January 12, 2020

McMichael’s hat trick gives him 28 goals and 63 points in just 29 games played this season. His 28 goals, 35 assists, and 63 points rank him fifth, 12th, and sixth, respectively in the Ontario Hockey League, and his 28 goals and 63 points are tops among all London skaters.

By Michael Fleetwood