The Kamloops Blazers have signed 2019 first round draft pick Connor Levis to a standard WHL player agreement.
Levis was drafted 20th overall in 2019, 13 picks behind fellow first round draft pick Mats Lindgren, who has already made four appearances for the Blazers in the 2019-20 season.
Both 2019 first round picks had commitments with the University of Michigan, but have now signed in Kamloops.
“Connor has an impressive skill set, combined with an excellent skating ability and sense for the game,” said General Manager Matt Bardsley. “We believe he has all the qualities necessary to be a pro and look forward to helping him maximize his development over the next four seasons.”
Levis, who will turn 16 in October, played the last two seasons at the St. George’s School Hockey Academy in Vancouver. This past season, Levis had 26 points (12 goals and 14 assists) in 33 games playing Midget Prep.
“I am honoured and thrilled to join the Kamloops Blazers,” Levis noted. “I can’t wait to get to Kamloops, play my first game, and experience the great fans in the amazing Sandman Centre.”
The Vancouver native is the fifth player from the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft class to sign with the Blazers. Along with Lindgren, Levis joins goaltender Dylan Ernst and forwards Tye Spencer and Fraser Minten who have already signed with the Blazers.
“We recognize that Connor had multiple options to pursue his goal of being a pro and appreciate that he and his family felt strongly that the Blazers organization is the right path for him,” added Bardsley.
“He will join an exciting team for the 2020-2021 season while adding to a very strong group of young players who are committed to the Kamloops Blazers.”
The Blazers have already signed 2020 first round draft pick Kaden Hammell to a WHL standard player agreement.
Patience is a virtue.
Welcome Connor Levis! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/hrD9Jyez7u— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) June 2, 2020
Credit Matt Bardsley and staff. While some organizations shy away from NCAA commitments, the Blazers have gone with “best player available mentality”. It’s paying off big time now. Several home runs in the 2019 draft. #Kamloops
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) June 2, 2020
