The prep school hockey season is over, but the commitments keep coming in for players from New England schools.
Tabor Heaslip’s journey to the region is unique as he joined legendary head coach John Gardner’s team at Avon Old Farms this winter, arriving from his home in Fort Worth, Texas. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound forward made a splash for the Winged Beavers, averaging over a point per game with 12 goals and 15 assists, tying for the team lead in the latter category.
Following another season at the prep level, Heaslip is expected to stay in the Nutmeg State and play in Hockey East at the University of Connecticut, where he committed on March 19. Heaslip discusses his path in our latest New England Hockey Journal Commitment Q&A:
How would you describe yourself as a player? Are there NHL players you try to emulate?
I am a two-way forward with a high compete level and believe I have the skills to make plays and score goals. I also feel that I can bring a lot energy and grit to the game by blocking a shot or getting a big hit. I like to resemble my game after Jamie Benn, he is a great captain, can score goals, and isn’t afraid to get in the dirty areas.
What made UConn the right fit for your college career?
I plan on studying business and finance in college. UConn has a top notch business school which will help me accomplish my goals. Additionally, it is great to be committed to a school where hockey is one of the bigger sports on campus and to be apart of a team that is led by a great coach, as well as having great fan base, makes it very attractive choice.
What did you take away and learn most from your conversations with Mike Cavanaugh and the rest of his coaching staff?
I learned a lot through the recruitment process. One thing that really stayed with me was that Coach Cavanaugh is dedicated to his players as individuals by providing guidance and many resources to help improve our game as well as develop us as a students and athletes.
Being from Texas, how were you first introduced to college hockey? When did it become the path you wanted to follow?
My uncle and grandfather played hockey at Boston College, so I always had dreams of playing college hockey. I got my first hockey stick when I was a year old and rarely ever put it down, and I got my first pair of skates when I was three.
I was first introduced to conversations of possibility of playing Division 1 college hockey by my midget coach, Eric Silverman, who had already had success in guiding players like Ryan O'Reilly, Michael Gildon, and Chase Yoder, all of whom I was fortunate to play on lines with during my time at Dallas Stars Elite.
What other schools did you consider?
I had offers from RPI and Union. I also had interest from Providence, Colgate, UNH and Cornell.
How do you feel that your first season at Avon went?
I felt that I had a great transition to prep from the U16 Tier 1 League. It helped a lot playing with teammates like Stef Miklakos (who committed to Army during the season and was the subject of a NEHJ Commitment Q&A) and Tyler Boucher. They made it an easy and seamless transition because we clicked, allowing me to produce right away.
What was the adjustment to prep hockey like, especially coming from playing in Texas?
It was a little bit of a challenge at first, with prep being faster and more competitive than my experience with U16. Playing split-season with the Mid-Fairfield Jr. Rangers really helped me get a feel for the style of game I was going to have to play in the winter at Avon.
Individually, what areas of your game did you see the most improvement in this year?
I feel that I have improved my shot, confidence with the puck and better overall vision of the ice.
What is it like playing for someone who has had as much success as Avon head coach John Gardner? What have you learned most from him to help better your play?
Being able to play for Coach Gardner is an honor since he has so much knowledge of the game and has had a lot of success, winning several New England championships. I learned many things from Coach Gardner, but the one key thing I took away from this year was to persevere through hard times and stay close as a team even when things aren't going the way we want them to.
How are you looking to most improve your game before attending UConn?
I would like to improve on my quickness and scoring.
What are your main individual goals before entering college? Off that, where do you see yourself and hope to be as a player at this time next year?
My goal would be to be part of a team to win a New England championship and be the best player I can be by leading on and off the ice. I would like to be a leading point scorer on the team and be a positive mentor to the younger players on the team.
