2015 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Connor Moore

Connor Moore

Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
2014-15 Team: Brooks School (NEPSIHA)
College Commitment: Boston College (2016)
Hometown: Cumming, Ga.
Height/Weight: 5'10"/170
Date of Birth: 7/4/97
Final Central Scouting Ranking: --

For whatever reason, when discussing the top defensemen in prep hockey, the name of Brooks junior Connor Moore always seems to get forgotten. The Boston College commit and Cumming, Ga. native is unfairly punished for not possessing the flash and wow factor of some of the region's top draft eligible defensemen.

However, when it comes to being solid, shutting opponents down and possessing the puck with precision, Moore is as good as it comes.

Moore doesn't get as much exposure as some of the others, playing for a Brooks program that doesn't play quite the schedule that Kimball Union, Westminster and Cushing do. It is wrong to sleep on coach Dave Ries' program, the 2013 and 2015 prep school champion.

Moore doesn't fly up the ice with the puck and dangle through multiple defenders on an end-to-end rush. He simply gets the puck moving in transition with smart, crisp breakout passes. He does a nice job getting pucks through on net and distributing the puck in the offensive zone.

"Connor has a great work ethic and skill set. He's dynamic offensively and capable of taking over the game any time he has the puck. He has a good stick, great vision and can really shoot it. Connor's skating ability allows him to lead or join the rush effectively, and to recover quickly if the puck is turned over," said Ries at the time of his commitment to BC.

Defensively, Moore is so smooth. He lacks size, but he does a good job containing opposing forwards. He is such a good skater, moving forwards and backwards. He can pivot and move laterally. He's smart and does a terrific job on gap control. He has a good stick and is more physical than given credit for. He made two really heavy hits in the prep championship game that helped turn the puck over.

"He has always had the offensive side, but has really come a long way defensively since coming to Brooks. He's a powerful kid who plays with an edge and is our go-to guy in all situations."

Moore will play the 2015-16 season for the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL before matriculating to Boston College to play for Jerry York's program.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior, high school and prep hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.