After a standout High School career at Tri-Valley, Conor Harrington was one of the first player signings in Northeast Generals history. The Generals had just been awarded a franchise in the NA3HL and were looking for players to join the team that would help on the ice but also be great kids in the locker room. Head Coach (at the time) and General Manager Bryan Erikson knew he had that in Conor.
“Conor is such a great kid. I knew he had a lot of talent but what drew me to him was his personality. Great kid, real funny and always with a smile. He made an immediate impact for us as an organization and was instrumental in helping us determine the types of young men that would fill our locker room in years to come” said Erikson.
Harrington, derailed by 2 broken collar bones, played 60 games for the Generals over 2 seasons, was a Captain and tallied 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists). While playing for the Generals, Harrington was pursuing another passion. Reffing.
“I started reffing when i was 10 years old, I actually got my 10 year pin from USA hockey last season. I started mainly because of my dad (Bryan Harrington, Assistant Coach with Generals NA3 and a Coordinator with MA Officials and USA Hockey) , he had been doing it for a while and got me into it. I was so young making more money than anybody else I knew it was an awesome first job.” said Conor.
After his playing days ended Conor took his love of hockey, his skating ability and his calm demeanor to reffing full time.
Conor started reffing at a higher level last season. “I have a little bit of junior experience, some NA3 games and a couple other Tier 3 games but really got all my practice from all the camps I attended this past summer.” added Harrington.
And just like kids still playing, Conor worked hard at his craft.
“This summer I went to Western Futures Camp, ODP Prospects Camp, The USAH College Officiating Experience, and ODP Full Time Camp. Without all of these camps I would have never had the opportunity to advance my officiating career so far, I am now living in a program supplied apartment and officiating full time.
At Futures Camp I was voted best official by my peers and at prospects camp is when i got offered a full time position in the program.”
The program he is referring to is the NAHL officiating program. Conor is now working full time for the league and living in St. Paul, MN. Conor will be officiating mainly in the NAHL but will also see work in the NA3HL. Like many players he to wants to advance, hoping to move up to the USHL and beyond.
Although not stuck in the past and very much looking towards the future (including reffing the upcoming NAHL Blaine Showcase), Conor has fond memories of the Northeast Generals and Junior Hockey.
“My Experience with the Generals was amazing I made some awesome memories with some awesome people. People always ask me if I miss playing hockey and I always say I don’t miss the hockey as much, I just miss hanging out with the boys everyday. I like to think that’s due to the environment the Generals gave me and I wouldn’t give that away for anything. Bryan (Erikson) cares about his players and would do anything for those guys, I mean anything. That’s one thing you can’t beat a guy who will go to bat no matter what and a guy that loves hockey.
I also miss Harvey (Richard Jackson, Director of Logistics and Billet Coordinator of the Generals) who is one of the best humans I’ve ever met.” Harrington said.
“I have a very complicated relationship with officials in General. But Conor is one young man that I will always root for. I know he will be successful and the Generals organization couldn’t be prouder.” Erikson said.
