Cory Conacher of the Syracuse Crunch is a player you love to have on your team as a player or fan. If you play or root against the Crunch you, well, do not like him but probably respect him. For his size of 5′ 8″ and about 180 pounds after a good meal, Cory is fast, strong and unrelenting in how he plays.

I recently photographed him in a battle in front of an opponent’s net for about 2 minutes. Three different defenders including the goalie tried to move him but was unable to.  This photo is one from the series.

Syracuse Crunch Cory Conacher (89) battles for position with Toronto Marlies Mac Hollowell (81) and goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo (30) in American Hockey League (AHL) action at the Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse, New York on Friday, January 3, 2020. Syracuse won 8-2. Nikon D500/18-140VR, 1/100s, f/5.6, ISO 6400, EV +1.7, 116 mm (174mm DX) Focal Length.

As you can see, he is a battler. What you do not see is Cory lives with Type 1 Diabetes.  Last year, a documentary called Miracle, Baby was released about how Cory overcame the disease to play professional hockey. You can watch the trailer and the complete film for free with registration here: Miracle, Baby at SupreConent.