Connor James (ice hockey)

Connor James (born August 25, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He most recently played with the Straubing Tigers of the German Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

Playing career
James was drafted in the ninth round, 279th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. James played for 4 years for the University of Denver and won one NCAA National Championship with the Pioneers. He appeared in two National Hockey League games with the Kings in the 2005–06 season.

James then signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization prior to the 2006–07 season. The following season while called up to the Penguins on February 16, 2008, Conner scored his first NHL goal against Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders. In September 2008, the Penguins cut James from the active roster for the 2008–09 season, returning to affiliate the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. On March 25, 2009, James was named the 14th captain in team history.

On July 31, 2009, James signed for Augsburger Panther of the DEL. After a season with the Panthers and two following seasons with the DEG Metro Stars, James signed for his third DEL team, with a one-year contract with the Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers on May 7, 2012. He spent three seasons with the Ice Tigers, before moving to fellow DEL side Straubing Tigers for the 2015–16 campaign.