Connor Hobbs, a Washington Capitals draft pick from 2015 and member of the Hershey Bears from 2017-18 through 2019-20, has retired from professional hockey. Hobbs cited injuries and a loss of passion for the game as his reasons for retiring. He has now returned home to Saskatoon and has enrolled in on-line classes at the University of Saskatchewan, pursuing a program in business.
Hobbs spoke to the Regina Leader-Post about his decision. “It’s different, for sure, but I figured it was time to come home and be around family.” He was also skeptical about whether the AHL would have a season in 2020-21 due to COVID-19.
“There’s so much unknown. But the transition to doing school work, it’s no different than watching video and preparing for a game. The only difference is, I don’t know a lot of this stuff already. Hockey is all I knew but this is just a different chapter. There’s a little bit of growing pains but it’s going good. I’m loving it.”
Hobbs played in 119 games in his three seasons with the Bears, playing 44 games in 2017-18, 59 games in 2018-19, and just 16 games in 2019-20. During that time frame, playing mostly a defensive role, Hobbs compiled seven goals and 29 assists.
Hobbs was plagued by injuries throughout his career with the Bears, including head injuries. His final season ended with him getting rotator cuff surgery. During his time off from hockey, he contemplated his future.
With the injuries and expiration of his contract with the Capitals, it was time to go in a different direction. Hobbs figured it would not be wise to sign another three-year contract as he couldn’t imagine himself at age 27 without an education and having trouble finding a job.
Hobbs will still get his hockey fix by playing hockey for the Saskatchewan Huskies college team, joining his younger brother, Declan.
By Diane Doyle
Further Reading
Home is Where the Heart is for Former Regina Pats Star Connor Hobbs
Regina Pats Connor Hobbs Eager to Make an Impact His Final Season
Connor Hobbs: Annual Review and Forecast; 2019-2020 Season
Bears Rally To Down The Rocket 4-2; Connor Hobbs, Joe Snively And Brian Pinho Score First Goals Of the Season
For Washington Capitals Prospect Connor Hobbs, The Opportunity Is Still Very Real
Washington Capitals Prospect Review and Forecast 2018-19 Season: Connor Hobbs
Hershey Bears Defensemen Connor Hobbs and Colby Williams Discuss Going Through Their Hockey Careers Together
Washington Capitals Prospect Review and Forecast 2017-18 Season: Connor Hobbs
Great decision by someone who wanted to control “his” post hockey life. As fans we sometimes forget that from mid-teens to sometimes 30’s or 40’s it’s thier life! Connor is able to see life after hockey is a lot more important than what happens on scoresheet.
Wonder if he has any interest in becoming a scout or a coach? Also wonder if the Caps could use him in any way other than a player like maybe a scout? OR possible turn him into a coach?
Or better yet competent GM!
Getting tired of watching Caps players retire and get jobs with other organizations and be successful. Would like to try and keep a few here or in Hershey. They know the system and seems like they would be valuable.
Connor,is the perfect example of what Jim Donlevy want Canadian Major Junior hockey league players to do. In the early 90’s Jim being a former university coach saw & pushed for a need for the young men who played in the WHL,who sacrifice thier prime learning years trying to reach thier NHL dreams,to still have a chance for a good education post career.That why since that time any player who plays in any of big 3 junior league,will be eligible for post secondary education wheather university or collage for every year they play. You play 4 years,for years of school,etc.
If Connor becomes a great success off ice,it should be Jim to get a special mention,this program has handed over 6000 former players a chance for off ice success.
Excellent points. Great insight, Scott.