Conor took these pointers to heart, and his game began to show it. In high school, he played two seasons for the Salmon Arm SilverBacks of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he tied for the league-lead in points per game, finishing with 84 points and 39 goals.

In 2008-2009, Conor helped the SilverBacks reach the Conference Finals, where he scored four goals and six points in one game—both team records–and was honored with the conference’s Most Sportsmanlike Player award.

In 2009, Conor was selected to play for the German under-20 team at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships, which were being held in Ottawa, Ontario–his home province.

“That was for me my most special moment in hockey,” Conor says. “I got to play Canada in front of a sold out crowd, and my whole family was in the stands. It was a pinnacle of my hockey career so far.”

His success gained him notice in both Canada and the United States, leaving Conor with a choice. He could take the Major Junior route that his dad and grandfather took on their way to the NHL and begin playing professionally in Canada, or he could go to college.

He chose the latter and came to Harvard, and today believes he made the right decision.

“When I was younger I definitely planned on playing Major Junior,” Conor says. “I know a lot of my friends have taken that route, and it’s worked out great for them, but for me to further my development I think the college route was definitely the better choice.”

As usual, Dave and Jim Morrison were there with helpful advice about the college game, despite never having played in college themselves.

“They definitely told me that the game was going to be played at a higher level, that the guys are going to be bigger and stronger, that the level of play would be a lot faster, [and that] I’d have to make decisions quicker,” Conor explains.

Despite being only a freshman, Morrison has thrived. He is tied for the team lead in goals with 10 even though he ranks eighth on the team in shots attempted.

“The one thing I really admire about Conor is that he’s got a tremendous amount of focus,” his father says. “He’s very dedicated to being the best he can be...He’s never satisfied.”

If Conor can maintain his drive and work ethic, there will be nothing stopping him from following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps to the NHL.

“It’s always been a dream of mine,” he says. “I honestly couldn’t picture myself not playing hockey.”

Despite his rich family history, Conor doesn’t feel any extra weight on his shoulders to keep the Morrison legacy going in the NHL. He knows that no matter what Dave and Jim will always be there for support.

“They never put any sort of pressure on me,” he says. “They just want the best for me, they want me to be happy. Obviously my life-long goal has been to make it to the NHL, and if it happens great, but if not they’ll still be proud of me either way.”