Avalanche winger Logan O’Connor, who goes by O.C., is on pace to reach a milestone this month.
Playing in his 43rd career NHL game, however, will undoubtedly mean more to his father.
Like father O.C., like son O.C.
Myles O’Connor, 53, was a senior captain and all-American defenseman at the University of Michigan in 1988-89. He was the original O.C. A third-round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils, Myles played professionally for 10 years, appearing in 43 career NHL games for the New Jersey Devils (38) and Anaheim Ducks (five).
Logan O’Connor, 24, the former University of Denver standout, played in his 32nd NHL game Saturday. The Avs still have 13 more games in a month that feature a club-record 17, and O’Connor — who did not begin the season with the big club — continues to prove he belongs as a speedy depth forward and penalty-killing specialist.
“I try not to look too far ahead. I try to play in the present, focus on the next game. But it’s obviously crossed my mind,” Logan said of matching his father in NHL games played. “We have a pretty good banter going back and forth — he was an all-American, I won a national championship — that type of thing, typical father-son just kind of jaw at each other a little bit.
“But I think this is a milestone he definitely wants me to surpass him in. He’s been my biggest fan since Day 1, him and my mom. Without them, there’s no way I would be at the place I’m at, which I’m grateful for every day. The impact they’ve had and the sacrifices they’ve made in helping me get to this point in my career is pretty special.”
Myles O’Connor, like most fathers, wants Logan to exceed everything he has accomplished. And he’s quick to point out that Logan also won a national championship with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States (junior) Hockey League in 2015.
“As far as him passing me, I think it’s fantastic. I’m obviously hoping that happens,” Myles said from his home in Calgary. “I don’t want to put the kart before the horse, which is kind of his mentality. Mine with him is, take it one day at a time, enjoy the moment and just take it as it comes, so to speak.
“But we do joke about our careers, laugh about it. He’s got two national championships — one in junior in Sioux Falls and then with Denver, obviously. I never won a national championship.”
Logan has also followed his father in the leadership department. He would have also served as captain for an elite NCAA program if the Avalanche hadn’t made him a free-agent offer in July 2018. Logan, who went undrafted, was scheduled to captain DU as a senior but instead chose to turn pro.
He is now one online class away from obtaining his bachelor’s degree.
“One of the biggest things for Logan’s mother and myself, one of the things we’re most proud of Logan is, he’s going to get his college degree,” Myles said.
On the ice, Logan seems to play better by the game. Still considered a rookie by beginning his third professional season with just 21 NHL games played, he has impressed the Avs with his speed and defensive puck-pressure. Logan isn’t judged by goals (two) or points (two) as he plays the same role he had under coach Jim Montgomery at DU.
“This being my third year — third year of getting NHL games — that confidence continues to grow. Getting more trust on the PK is huge for my game. That’s something I always pride myself on,” said Logan, who played five NHL games in 2018-19 and 16 last season.
“Having the games under my belt I know what gives me success at this level and that’s using my speed, using my stick, being aggressive on pucks, and trying to create turnovers and create offense from my defense. I’m getting more comfortable in those situations.
“Those jitters are sort of gone and I’m not so scared of making a mistake. I feel like if I just play my game I can be an impact (player) and every-day player who helps the team win — the ultimate goal, obviously.”
Myles is enjoying every step of his oldest son’s career. He’s also a big fan of Avalanche defenseman and fellow Calgarian, Cale Makar. Myles’ youngest son, Owen, 22, grew up playing with and against Makar around the Calgary area.
Seeing Logan and Cale play on the same NHL team is as special as watching your son out-do you in games played.
“It’s a nice story,” Myles said. “Two Calgary kids.”
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