Trevor Connelly Bio
Trevor Connelly (born February 28, 2006) is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a left wing for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). A skilled forward recognized for his speed, vision, and offensive instincts, he was selected 19th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Connelly signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Golden Knights in 2025, beginning his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Trevor Connelly was born on February 28, 2006, in Tustin, California, in the United States, and grew up in an American family environment. He first developed his hockey skills playing roller hockey before switching to ice hockey at the age of eight. This early transition from roller to ice helped him build the foundation for his future in competitive hockey, exposing him to a faster and more physical style of play.
Connelly has a younger brother named C.J., who is also a hockey player. As a youth, Connelly moved through several amateur programs, including time at Bishop Kearney High School, and later joined the Long Island Gulls. His teenage years included well-documented off-ice controversies that drew attention from scouts and media alike, shaping both his public image and his path into professional hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Connelly’s journey to professional hockey took shape through the United States Hockey League (USHL), one of the top development circuits in North America. On March 14, 2022, he signed with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, where he quickly emerged as a dynamic offensive talent. In his debut at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic, he scored his first goal in a 6–4 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks and went on to record an 18-game points streak, the longest in Storm history.
His rookie season with Tri-City produced 24 goals and 47 points, earning him second-team all-rookie honors in the USHL. In his second season, he elevated his game further, recording 31 goals and 78 points in 52 games, finishing seventh in goals and second in points league-wide. Over two USHL seasons, he tallied 60 goals and 125 points, placing him among the top scorers in franchise history. These performances positioned him as a top prospect entering the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Trevor Connelly Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Between 2020 and 2022, Trevor Connelly played for four different amateur teams, an unusually high number for a player of his talent level. During this stretch, he spent time with Bishop Kearney High School, where he was suspended before leaving the program within two weeks. He later played for the Long Island Gulls, a period that drew significant media attention due to off-ice incidents that followed him throughout his draft year.
Despite the turbulence, Connelly continued to showcase elite offensive ability wherever he played. His performances at the amateur level convinced scouts of his upside, and his decision to commit to the Tri-City Storm of the USHL marked a turning point toward structured, high-level competition. This transition set the stage for his rapid rise through the ranks of North American hockey.
USHL Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Connelly’s first full season with the Tri-City Storm in 2022–23 established him as one of the USHL’s most dangerous young forwards. He finished the year with 24 goals and 47 points and was named to the USHL’s second all-rookie team. His 18-game points streak and run of goals in seven consecutive games set franchise records, signaling his potential as a future professional.
In 2023–24, Connelly elevated his production with 31 goals and 78 points in 52 games, ranking seventh in goals and second in points across the entire USHL. He was the only player in the league to average at least 1.5 points per game and led the Storm in goals, assists, points, and shots. Named a second-team USHL all-star, he closed his two-year USHL career with 125 points and 60 goals, the second and third most in Storm history, respectively.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2024–Present)
Entering the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Connelly was widely regarded as a first-round talent thanks to his elite skill set, particularly his speed, hockey vision, and offensive intelligence. Some scouts raised concerns about off-ice incidents during his youth and junior career, but his on-ice ability was undeniable. On April 1, 2025, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, officially launching his professional career. He was assigned to the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL, where he continues to develop within the Golden Knights’ organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Connelly is widely praised for his elite speed, smooth skating, and high-end hockey IQ. Scouts have consistently highlighted his vision and playmaking ability, noting his knack for generating offense in transition and creating scoring chances for teammates. His combination of skill and competitive drive makes him a dynamic two-way threat when engaged.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Connelly’s most memorable career moments is his record-setting 18-game points streak with the Tri-City Storm, the longest in franchise history. He also tied for the leading scorer title at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with ten points in five games, earning recognition as one of the tournament’s best players. His selection 19th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft marked a defining milestone in his young career.
Trevor Connelly Career Wins
Across his junior and international career, Trevor Connelly has built an impressive résumé of scoring achievements and individual accolades. While formal championship titles at the professional level are still developing, his junior accomplishments include record-setting point streaks and league-leading offensive performances. His professional journey with the Vegas Golden Knights organization is just beginning, and his early statistics suggest a promising trajectory.
USHL Highlights
During his two seasons with the Tri-City Storm, Connelly established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive players. His 18-game points streak set a franchise record, and his seven-game goal-scoring run matched a notable team milestone. In 2023–24, he finished among the USHL’s top scorers with 78 points, leading the Storm in multiple offensive categories and earning second-team all-star honors.
Other Wins and Performances
Internationally, Connelly has represented Team USA at multiple high-profile events, including the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he tied for the tournament lead in scoring. At the 2023 World Junior A Challenge, he tallied eleven points, including a memorable Michigan goal in a bronze-medal victory over Sweden. He also competed at the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he was the only Team USA member outside the National Team Development Program, contributing key performances including another Michigan goal against Latvia.
Trevor Connelly Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Trevor Connelly comes from a family with ties to hockey, including a younger brother named C.J., who is also a hockey player. The brothers share a passion for the sport, with Trevor often credited as a role model within his family circle. Details about his parents and extended family have not been publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Connelly currently resides in the United States and continues to pursue his professional hockey career with the Vegas Golden Knights organization. His personal life has drawn media attention at times due to off-ice incidents during his teenage years, but he has spoken publicly about learning from those experiences and focusing on personal growth. He remains focused on hockey and his continued development at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Trevor Connelly’s first as a professional hockey player after signing his entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on April 1, 2025. Assigned to the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL, Connelly began adapting to the speed, physicality, and structure of professional hockey. His early assignments with the Silver Knights are designed to refine his game and prepare him for potential NHL opportunities with the Golden Knights.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Connelly is expected to play a key role in the Silver Knights’ offensive attack, leaning on his elite speed and playmaking ability. His progress will be closely monitored by the Golden Knights’ management as he adjusts to the demands of a full professional schedule. Strong performances at the AHL level could position him for an NHL call-up during the season or in the near future.
As the 2025 season progresses, Connelly’s development remains a priority for the Golden Knights’ organization. His combination of skill, vision, and offensive instincts provides a strong foundation for long-term success. With continued hard work and consistency, he has the potential to become a meaningful contributor at the NHL level in the years ahead.