Growing up in the hockey hotbed of Scituate, Massachusetts, Garland was a talented player who went undrafted. Undeterred, he took the long road to the NHL, first playing for Boston College in the NCAA, where he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist (given to the top player in college hockey). Then he honed his skills in the AHL, the minor league system of the NHL.
Garland's NHL debut finally came in 2018-19, suiting up with the Arizona Coyotes. To no one's surprise who had followed his journey, he quickly made an impact, contributing 16 goals and 21 assists in his first full season.
This season, Garland took a major step forward, leading the Coyotes in scoring. In 79 games, he racked up 12 goals and 28 assists. He also was a key member of the Coyotes' penalty kill, playing a vital role in their success in that area.
Despite his impressive performance, Garland remains a relatively unknown player. He doesn't have the name recognition of some of the NHL's biggest stars, but those who know him recognize his talent and dedication.
Garland is a hard-working player who leads by example. He's a great teammate and has a positive attitude. He's also a role model for young players, showing them that it's possible to achieve success even if you don't take the traditional path to the NHL.
As the Coyotes look to improve their team and make a playoff push, Garland will be a key part of their success. He's a player who can make a difference on both ends of the ice, and he's only getting better.
So, if you're looking for a player to watch, keep an eye on Conor Garland. He's a rising star in the NHL, and he's sure to make a name for himself in the years to come.