ECHL: Bloomington Bison Add Forward Connor Lockhart, Defenseman Wyatt McLeod

The Bloomington Bison have officially announced the signing of forward Connor Lockhart and defenseman Wyatt McLeod to standard ECHL player contracts.

Originally chosen by the Vancouver Canucks as a sixth-round pick in 2021, Connor Lockhart became a free agent over a year ago when his signing rights lapsed on July 1, 2023. Lockhart was chosen by the Canucks in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL draft; however, he became a free agent in June when the Canucks opted not to offer him an entry-level contract.

In the 2022-23 season, the Kanata, Ontario native achieved 29 goals and 50 assists, placing second on the team with 79 points in 66 games with the Peterborough Petes. During their journey to an OHL championship, Lockhart recorded seven goals and nine assists (16 points) in 23 playoff games with the Petes. Lockhart amassed a total of 88 goals and 125 assists (213 points) over the course of 239 career OHL games.

Connor Lockhart had an outstanding season in his last year of the OHL, scoring 27 goals and providing 32 assists, resulting in a total of 59 points, all while achieving a +31 rating across 52 games played for both the Peterborough Petes and the Oshawa Generals. In the playoffs, Lockhart contributed nine goals and nine assists, accumulating 22 penalty minutes over 21 games with the Generals, ultimately ranking fourth on the team with 18 points in the postseason. Throughout the last two years, Lockhart has consistently surpassed a point per game, concluding his season with 52 points in 45 games for the Oshawa Generals after being traded from Peterborough earlier in the season.

In August, the Carolina Hurricanes revealed that Lockhart was chosen to participate in their regional rookie camp, part of the 2024 NHL Rookie Showcase organized by the Nashville Predators earlier this month. During that showcase, Lockhart assisted teammate Gleb Trikozov who made the goal on a power play rebounded shot, giving the Canes the lead and ultimately contributed to their victory over the Panthers with a score of 7-3.

Wyatt McLeod, a 24-year-old defenseman, played 16 games last season for the University of Alberta, scoring one goal and providing three assists (totaling four points) for the Golden Bears. Over his three years in college hockey, the 6-foot-3, 203-pound defenseman has tallied four goals and 31 assists (35 points) alongside 42 penalty minutes.

During the 2020-21 season, the Dawson Creek, British Columbia native participated in 15 ECHL games with the Utah Grizzlies, where he scored two goals and added two assists (four points) with a +3 rating. This followed a season in the WHL he recorded three goals, 12 assists, and a +8 rating in 24 games with the Saskatoon Blades, ranking second among defensemen on the team with 15 points.

Overall, McLeod has amassed 12 goals and 57 assists (69 points) along with 165 penalty minutes over 228 career WHL games with the Blades and the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he served as an alternate captain in his final two seasons.

The Bison are set to launch their inaugural season in the ECHL on October 12, 2024 against the Indy Fuel.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

Leave a Reply

ECHL Fines and Transactions

ECHL: Orlando’s Brayden Low Suspended Five Games

In a recent announcement, the ECHL Department of Player Safety revealed a significant disciplinary action against Brayden Low of the Orlando Solar Bears. The decision came in the wake of ECHL Game #944 on February 20, where the Solar Bears suffered a 4-1 defeat against the Jacksonville Icemen. Following the game, Low was suspended for […]

Read More

Inside The Rink’s ECHL Triple Threat: Our Must-Watch Hockey Showdowns (02/21-02/23/2025)

With thrilling matchups spread throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this weekend is set to deliver plenty of high-energy ECHL action. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or perhaps new to the game, these contests will play a key role in shaping the league standings and influencing playoff seeding. Stay updated with any schedule changes and get […]

Read More

PHOTOS: Worcester Railers vs. South Carolina Stingrays – 02/19/2025

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C – The South Carolina Stingrays delivered an impressive performance, shutting out the Worcester Railers 4-0 in front of a record-setting 9,108 fans during the annual Education Day game on Wednesday. This turnout marked the largest school day crowd in the franchise’s history. Goals came from Jacob Graves, Kyler Kupka, Connor Moore, and Josh […]

Read More