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Like most players, his first Ontario Hockey League season was an adjustment.
For Soo Greyhounds defenceman Connor Toms, it was no different as he made the jump from playing with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 team to playing in the OHL last season.
“It was a little bit of a jump for me,” Toms said of his rookie year. “I learned a lot from last year and I’m just trying to get back to it.”
The 18-year-old spent the summer training, there was a focus for the Sault product as he prepared for his second season.
“Just getting stronger and faster,” Toms said of what he worked on most. “I also found that I got a little more confident over the summer.”
His expectations this season are guarded.
“I just want to be the best player I can be,” Toms said. “I thought I took some steps last year learning and I’m just ready to use all of those tools this year.”
The young defenceman added that he felt his defensive game needed work last season but thought he “took the necessary steps to get better.”
Playing on a blueline in 2021-22 that included overage Robert Calisti and 19-year-olds Ryan O’Rourke and Jack Thompson was a benefit.
“They’re all great players and I learned a ton from them,” Toms said. “Ryan O’Rourke is great defensively and Jack Thompson is great offensively, it was awesome to see them everyday and their daily habits. It was great to learn from them.”
As training camp opened up last week, Toms left an impression early on for coach John Dean.
“He crushed fitness testing. He was, by far, our most elite athlete off the ice,” Dean said.
Dean also said that, on the ice, Toms impressed early on in camp as he prepared for his second season in the league.
“He looks confident,” Dean said. “He’s commanding the puck in the middle of the ice. He’s making good choices in the offensive zone.”
Dean also noted a working relationship between Toms and Taylor as well in camp.
“Already, Brendan Taylor and him are forming a relationship and you can see some of the little tweaks,” Dean said. “I’m very excited for Connor. For him, it’s going to be a matter of risk management. When and when not to use his skill. His capability and his ceiling is fantastic.”
Asked about playing for Taylor and former Greyhounds associate coach Jordan Smith, Toms said he’s learned from both.
“Jordan was great for me last year and Brendan has been great also,” Toms said. “He (Taylor) is a great hockey mind. He knows the modern-day defenceman and how to play. He knows his stuff really well. He’s been great.”