Union the "obvious choice" for Light

by Ryan Fay

Phillips Academy product Connor Light recently committed to Union for the 2014-2015 season, and he didn't have a shortage of suitors at the Division I level.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound defenseman was also courted by three of Union's biggest league rivals: Cornell, Rensselaer, and Yale. Vermont, which is coached by former Union head coach Kevin Sneddon, also had interest in the 18-year-old.

But for Light, who had six goals and five assists in 25 games for Phillips last season, Union was the "obvious choice" for a combination of reasons.

"I knew I wanted to end up in the ECAC since over the past several years the league has proved to be one of the top leagues in college hockey, if not the best," Light explained. "Being back-to-back ECAC champions proves what Union is capable of and I just felt very comfortable with head coach Rick Bennett and his staff. [Union] is clearly a program that can develop players and push them to the next level, so I'm excited to have the opportunity to play for a proven program.

"Union is also a great place to be from an academic perspective, which really made Union the obvious choice for me."

As for what Union's staff liked about him, Light said, "I think the staff really liked my work ethic, knowing several of my coaches, how much improvement I've made to my game over the past couple years, and trying to be more than just a big, stay at home defenseman."

Light will play one season with the U.S. Hockey League's Omaha Lancers before joining the Dutchmen next fall. The Lancers drafted him in the second round (22nd overall) of the 2013 USHL draft. He'll be teammates this season with another Union recruit, forward Tyler Hynes, who will also join the Dutchmen next fall.

Light said he enters the upcoming season with a few clear objectives.

"At this point, I am more of a raw athlete than a refined hockey player, so hopefully this year in Omaha I can refine my skills and work on applying my physical abilities to the game," Light said. "This year should be a good way to challenge myself with a much quicker pace than what I am used to in prep school, so I'm excited to get out there and get to work."

NHL Central Scouting ranked him 185th among North American skaters in its final 2013 NHL draft rankings. The Sudbury, Massachusetts native wasn't drafted.

VIDEO: Connor Light 2012-2013 season highlights (Light is #2 in navy blue).

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