Conacher Inducted into Atlantic Hockey Hall of Honor

Former Canisius hockey standout Cory Conacher '11 has been inducted into the Atlantic Hockey Hall of Honor, the league announced on Tuesday.

The Atlantic Hockey Association is celebrating its 20th season of competition in 2022-23 with the recognition of the top 20 players from the conference's first two decades. This distinguished group will also comprise the first class of inductees into the Atlantic Hockey Hall of Honor.

"First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate all the other players that have be nominated and selected for the Hall of Honor," Conacher said. "To me, it is obviously an incredible honor to be recognized. Of course, I couldn't have done it without my teammates, coaches and support staff helping me along the way. My time at Canisius has had a major impact on the person I am today and I was fortunate enough to make some amazing life-long memories and friendships throughout my four years there.

"Furthermore, I have to acknowledge the impact this school and coaching staff had on my hockey career. Dave Smith and Mike Mankowski in particular took a chance on me out of Tier 2 juniors and gave me every opportunity to be successful. I can't thank them enough for preparing me not only for professional hockey but life after hockey as well. I will always remember my time at Canisius and will always share the amazing memories I made there."

The 2009-10 Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year, Conacher rewrote the Canisius Division I era record book, establishing 12 single-game and career marks during his time on Main Street.

The school's Division I era career leader in points (147) and goals (62), Conacher was a two-time All-AHA selection as well as a Lowe's Senior CLASS Award All-America First Team pick in 2010-11. The Burlington, Ontario native's 53 points and 33 assists during the 2009-10 season still stand as single-season standards for the program while his 23-goal effort in 2010-11 also stands as the school's single-season mark.

After graduation, Conacher embarked on a professional playing career that is in its 12th season. He has played 193 games in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Conacher was named the American Hockey League's Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year during 2011-12 season as he helped guide the Norfolk Admirals to the Calder Cup championship. He has also played abroad, winning a NLA Championship (2015-16) and a Swiss Cup title (2020-21) with SC Bern in the Swiss League.

An All-Atlantic Hockey 10th Anniversary First Team selection in 2013, Conacher became the 14th member of the hockey program to enter the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame when he was inducted last September.

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