Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Connor Hirschtritt, New Trier hockey

Connor Hirschtritt is a senior forward for New Trier Green hockey. He has recorded 29 goals and 25 assists for 49-7 NT Green.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I’m not the most superstitious person, but we play so many games so I like to get into a routine. If we play after school, I am big into naps. It resets me and gets my legs rested up. I also make sure I get in a good meal, usually a poke bowl. I like a place in Wilmette called Koya. I also listen to a lot of music that gets me locked in — a lot of house music and country and rap.

2. What are your plans for next year?

Next year I am attending the University of Virginia, studying finance and applied mathematics. And I’m really excited. I was looking at a lot of schools, mainly bigger state schools, like Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina. I went out to visit (Virginia) and fell in love with the city of Charlottesville. I wanted a school where I could look back in 20 years and root for them in basketball or football. And a great education was really what I was looking for.

3. What is your first memory of playing hockey?

My first moment in hockey was just learning to skate at Centennial Ice Arena. But when I was 7 years old, I went to the state championship game at the United Center, because my older cousin Ben Stein played on (Glenbrook North) and they were playing Green. Ever since that game, it clicked in my mind that this is exactly what I want to do. It’s been my love and passion.

4. What is your favorite sports moment so far?

I got a couple, but recently, my favorite memory is winning against Loyola in overtime (in October 2024). We won 4-3 and I had a trick in the game including the overtime, winning goal. It’s such a special game. I grew up watching that game. Even to play in the game is special and getting the opportunity to score a goal — two, three — is surreal.

5. Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Patrick Kane (NHL—former Chicago Blackhawk). Growing up as a young hockey fan in Chicago during the Blackhawks dynasty, you couldn’t ask for a better (player) to watch. I loved watching him absolutely dominate in every aspect of the game.

6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

It would be football. I love watching the game, playing the game — flag or touch with friends or when family comes over. If I didn’t play hockey, football is definitely the sport I would have played.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the ice?

Spend time with friends and family, I’d say. Going golfing with brothers or playing sports with them, or just hanging out listening to music or playing cards. I love spending time with people I am with.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

That’s easy actually. Any time I am at a gas station or Walgreens, I get a liter-sized bottle of Smartwater and spearmint Orbit gum. That’s my go-to.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

Something people might not know and something I am incredibly proud of is I played for the U18 Team USA in the Maccabi Games. I lived in Israel for a month and did a bunch of things. We won a silver medal, losing to Team Canada in overtime. It’s something I’ll never forget. It was an incredible experience.

10. What is the key to Green winning another state championship?

Not looking past the next game. Sometimes our team has a problem with that; we take some of the lesser teams a bit too lightly. … In order to get that next title, (the key) is not to take teams lightly, bring your all. It’s been an honor to be on this team for three years and have a chance to win another (state title) playing with my brother (Jack Hirschtritt, a junior). It’s an experience I am thankful to have and not going to take it lightly.

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