On Friday, Lindenwood women’s hockey head coach Taylor Wasylk announced a big addition to the team: Connor Chatham will join as an assistant coach.
“We’re thrilled to have Connor on board,” Wasylk said. “He’s done an incredible job with the St. Louis Girls AAA Blues and understands what it takes to win at Centene. We believe he’ll make a significant impact from the start and help elevate our program.”
Chatham has spent the last four seasons coaching the 16U and 19U Lady Blues AAA teams, where he focused on player recruitment and supporting athletes in their hockey journeys. He also had prior coaching experience at McKendree University.
A native of Belleville, Illinois, Chatham has an impressive hockey background. He was drafted 71st overall in the 2014 NHL draft and participated in NHL training camps from 2014 to 2016. His playing experience spans various leagues, including the USHL, OHL, ECHL, and SPHL. Recently, he played 17 games with the Evansville Thunderbolts, scoring 16 points through seven goals and nine assists.
Chatham was also recognized as a USA Hockey U-17 selection. He earned the Heart and Hustle Award with the Idaho Steelheads and was named the Blue Collar Player of the Year with the Plymouth Whalers in 2015.
He graduated with a bachelor’s in sports management and a minor in marketing from McKendree University in 2020.
The addition of Chatham comes at a crucial time as women’s hockey continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness. According to a recent survey by the Women’s Sports Foundation, female participation in youth hockey has surged by 20% over the last five years. This trend highlights the importance of strong coaching and mentorship in nurturing young talent.
With Chatham’s experience and local ties, there’s optimism surrounding Lindenwood’s future. Teams often thrive when they build a strong coaching staff that genuinely understands the community and the game. Fans and players alike are eager to see the positive changes he can bring.
For more insights on coaching trends and player development in women’s sports, you can check out the Women’s Sports Foundation.
