The Chargers of Alabama Huntsville have had an eventful past month. Their program was cut and then subsequently given four days to raise 750 thousand dollars to keep it going for a year while looking for a new conference home following the 2020-2021 season. After raising well in advance of the needed sum, the Chargers are now lead by acting Head Coach Lance West. He has scoured the continent for more players to fill the gaps caused by multiple transfers and some recruits choosing to go elsewhere when the program was cut before being reinstated one week later. The team and its newly formed Advisory Board are laying down building blocks for a strong pitch to multiple conferences to find a permanent home following the 2020-2021 season.
That leads us to Conor Witherspoon, the Michigan native has had a wonderful junior hockey career culminating in two years being a key piece of the Shreveport Mudbugs in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The playmaking forward finished his last season in the NAHL with 30 assists and five goals in 52 games.
Witherspoon is a 5’11” defensively sound forward from Metamora, Michigan. One thing to keep an eye on with his development is his propensity to be a leader. In his last two years playing for his Flint Powers Catholic High School side he was an alternate captain, and in his final year with the Mudbugs he earned the honor as well. For the Chargers and West to add to the long-term legacy of UAH Hockey and ensure its success in Division One Men’s College Hockey, he needs a program of leaders to build around. Witherspoon and many in this recruiting class fit that mold.
As to what he wants to study at UAH, Witherspoon is leaning towards a business program of study at UAH, but is not sure what he wants to major in just yet.
Below is some more from Witherspoon on why he chose UAH, and more:
Conor on the support the program got to save it, and why he chose UAH
” I thought it was incredible to see all the alumni, fans, and supporters rally around the team and to me that spoke volumes about what kind of program UAH is. Much to my delight I received a call from Coach West and after discussing the program with him and conducting my own independent research of the University I realized UAH was my perfect fit.”
Conor on the impact that Coach West had on the recruiting process
” Coach West was great. Having never visited Huntsville, he described what a great place it is to play hockey and receive an education. I could tell he has a great deal of passion for the city, and university and it was very convincing to me
Conor describes his favorite player of all time and who he models his game after
” My favorite player of all time is Steve Yzerman, but I would have to say, Matt Barzal is the player I try and model my game after.”
Conor on the nationwide support the program got to be brought back
” Watching the situation unfold from beginning to end was absolutely amazing. It was very impressive to see the amount of support from such a wide range of people, locally and across the country.”
Conor on what the impact of playing for Shreveport and Flint Powers have had on him.
” Shreveport is a phenomenal place for hockey and I was very blessed to be apart of that organization and community. Coach Soupy, Coach Rich and General Manager, Scott Muscutt were all very instrumental in preparing me for this next step in my hockey career and I cannot thank them enough for all they done.”
” My time playing in high school for Flint Powers was one of best experiences I had playing hockey. It is an incredible program and I can’t say enough good things about it. Being coached under Travis Perry helped to grow my love and passion for the game. I would not be where I am today .without help of him and the rest of the coaching staff.”
Conor’s thoughts on being selected to be a leader on multiple teams
” I was extremely honored to have been given the responsibility of a captain in both, Shreveport and at Flint Powers. It meant a great deal to me that both of my coaches viewed me as a leader, and someone who was capable of filling that role.”
Seamore Sports 