Just because there is no lacrosse being played, doesn’t mean LaxPhilly has stopped supplying coverage. So, we present another of our continuing One on One series. Today, we meet Connor Flynn. Connor is among a group of Philadelphia area up and coming box goaltenders. So, let’s go One on One… Connor Flynn.
KMN- At what age did you begin playing lacrosse?
CF-I started playing at the early age of 5.
KMN- Always a goaltender?
CF-No I was not always a goaltender. I started as a player who loved running and couldn’t stand still for too long. I have always loved being more of a defensive player and denying the other team the chance to shoot or score.
KMN- What organizations have you played in?
CF-I has played in a lot of organizations, both outdoor and indoor. I started lacrosse with the North Penn Dragons township team playing all positions over 8 years.
The first travel team I played for was Twist Lacrosse which was mostly my township team players and the same coaches. It was a great starting place for my love of lacrosse. After Twist, a friend and I tried out for Fusion Lacrosse where I played Long Pole Defense for 3 years.
Those 3 years were by far the most influential training in my lacrosse career. Steve Holmes and Eric Hofman taught me the ins and outs of defense which I became accustomed to very quickly and learned to play with great success.
The club I play for now is NXT Lacrosse as LSM. I have played in the NLF National championship in Massachusetts, where our team won first place in 2019.
I have had great success since I started playing with NXT. I’ve had great coaching by Joey Shallow and Billy Mac who recently moved to Washington D.C to spread the love of lacrosse there. My new defensive coach Corey Shaffer from Ursinus has brought great skills and benefit to our team.
I am currently in my sophomore year at North Penn High School. This is my second year with NPHS lacrosse, where this year I am taking on the role of Varsity short-stick defensive middie. I attribute my success in box lacrosse to John Kuhn and Scott Johnson for their coaching and mentoring and growing my love for box lacrosse.
KMN- You recently made a trip to the West Coast… what was that about?
CF-I was selected to play box goalie for the Huntington Beach Lacrosse club Midget team coached by Sean Evans, and his brother in the USBoxLa Nationals tournament.
I played alongside one of the best goalies in my age bracket from Canada Riley Gaines. I played with a great team against strong competition. We placed 4th overall. I’m very happy to have made that trip. The experience and the competition is completely different then what’s here at home, and would love to make the trip again. The USBoxLa Team East selections are to be announced the week of 3/16 fingers crossed I am selected!
KMN- How Long have you been playing box?
CF-I’ve been playing box since 5th grade with a twist, have played with fusion, and now I’m playing with NXT Box. I have also assisted other teams in various tournaments when they’ve reached out in need of a goalie.
KMN- You are making the jump to the PBLA…how did you hear of the league?
CF-Yes I am, and I heard about the league from my childhood coach John Kuhn who was a big inspiration for me to start box goalie. I also have heard it from a lot of the players in my adult league I play for at XL Sports in Hatfield, PA.
KMN- Do you pattern yourself off a specific goaltender?
CF-I try to not model myself to one given goalie. Each of their playing styles is for them and work for them. I watch a lot of box highlights and always watch the goalies.
I take a lot of the little things like stance, to movement, to the way they talk to the players and mold them into my own game. I like to watch Zach Higgins for the Wings. I like the way he stops the ball and his positioning. I like to play more actively.
Thanks to Connor Flynn! We at LaxPhilly wish him the best!
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
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