By: Agrani Tiwari
For Connor Weido, hockey wasn’t always a part of the plan. In fact, he wasn’t interested in the sport at all until his uncle convinced him to give it a shot at eight years old. That push led him down a path that would see him playing for teams in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) for Kingston and Quinte before joining the Ottawa West Golden Knights this season.
Now a first-year centre with the team, Weido enjoys the role because it allows him to see the ice and control the flow of play. Adjusting to new teammates has been one of the biggest challenges so far, but he’s embracing the experience and hopes the team can keep its momentum going throughout the season.
Off the ice, he’s balancing hockey with academics, currently studying accounting at the University of Ottawa. Hockey serves as a welcome escape from schoolwork, keeping him active while giving him something to focus on outside of his studies.
When it comes to game day routines, he keeps things simple—stretching, listening to music and taping his stick the same way every time. His biggest hockey inspiration is Toronto Maple Leaf’s forward Mitch Marner, admiring the way he sees the ice and sets up plays for his teammates.
Though he doesn’t plan to pursue hockey professionally, Weido is making the most of his time on the ice. And when he’s not at the rink, he likes to go to the golf course, spending his summers playing nearly daily. With his first season with Ottawa West underway, Weido is settling in, looking to contribute to the team’s success while enjoying the game that, years ago, he never thought he’d play.
