Connor Clifton, a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, recently shared insights into his personal and professional life in an interview. Clifton, who scored his first assist as a Penguin in a win over Seattle and his first goal with the team during a shootout loss to Columbus, offered fans a look at his background and approach to hockey.
Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner commented on Clifton’s role within the team, saying, “There is no one more perfect to do (that),” referring to Clifton taking the PensTV microphone around the team plane. Defenseman Shea added, “He’s probably one of the funnier teammates that we have. He kind of gives it to anyone, whether you’re Sid or whether you’re (practice goalie Mike Chiasson). He loves that. He brings that side and guys just laugh. So yeah, I think he brings a kind of relaxed and positive side. He keeps things light. And I think overall, he’s just a great guy, he’s funny guy, he’s a great dad.”
Clifton grew up in Matawan, New Jersey—a small suburb close to the bay—where family vacations often included trips to Beach Haven on Long Beach Island (LBI) and later other destinations like North Carolina and Maine. He described enjoying water sports such as tubing and water skiing with family.
Now in the offseason, Clifton splits time between Boston—where he bought a home while playing there—and Matawan with his wife’s family. The couple has been together since before high school and welcomed their daughter Callie in 2024 after marrying in 2021.
His mother worked as a banker in New York City for 35 years before retiring five years ago; his father sells insurance locally in Matawan. Growing up alongside two brothers, Clifton played hockey with his older brother Tim at Christian Brothers Academy and then at Quinnipiac University for four years.
Clifton credits both parents for influencing him: “My mom was always big on school, so she kind of instilled that work ethic in the classroom in us… Wanting to play college hockey, I think that was a huge piece that I was lucky enough to have my mom drill it into me young.” Both Connor and Tim earned degrees in mechanical engineering from Quinnipiac.
When asked about life outside hockey, Clifton mentioned enjoying board games—though less so since becoming a father—and having eclectic music tastes. His coffee order is iced coffee with espresso.
On choosing jersey number 75, Clifton explained: “I should just say there is no meaning…I showed up for my debut [with Boston], and I was 75…by the end of that year my family already all had jerseys. I’d break their hearts if I changed it and they had to buy a new jersey. So I just stuck with it.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins were established in 1967 as an NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The organization has won multiple Stanley Cup championships and works to advance youth development through community programs while promoting fan engagement with accessible events (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/).
