GEORGE CONN0RS
Date of Birth: January 14, 1933
Place of Birth: Bell Island, Nfld.
Inducted: 2000 (Player Category)
George Connors was a scoring machine for the Bell Island Miners in provincial competition, especially when goals were important and necessary. His ability to provide “money goals” played an essential part in Bell Island’s three Evening Telegram Trophy victories in 1954, 1955 and 1956.
The 1955 finals against Grand Falls provide an insight into his scoring ability as he had five goals in one game and scored three goals in the title contest, including the winner in overtime. His playing career lasted more than 20 years, from school to provincial senior competition, which he started when he was only 14. Always one of the top scorers on every team for which he played, he was often captain and led by example.
His success as a hockey player was evident when he played school and local senior hockey on Bell Island, and was especially prominent when he performed at the provincial level as a junior and during his lengthy senior career.
George Connors coached hockey at various levels on Bell Island after his playing days and devoted 10 years to minor hockey after moving to Halifax. He was an outstanding track and field athlete, baseball player and tennis player in his younger days, and filled the “mascot” role for Bell Island hockey teams in the early 1930s and 1940s, including the 1939 Herder Memorial championship victory by that club.