(New York) During our visit to Northeastern University on Saturday, Jordan Harris explained to us why several university players – including him – are studying business administration.
“There are players who would like to do something else, study science, for example. But the hours of access to laboratories would too often conflict with hockey, ”said the hope of the Canadian.
Obviously, Devon Levi did not receive the note. The Montrealer, titular goaltender at Northeastern, is studying computer science, a choice that still dumbfounded his goalie coach Mike Condon. “This is probably the toughest program in Northeastern! Says Condon, a Yale political science graduate.
“It’s still difficult. It takes a lot, a lot of time, admits Levi, in an interview in French at Press. I spend a lot of time at the arena so I have to work hard at home. ”
Levi already faces a tall order on the ice because he is “only” 6 ‘tall, which is considered too small to break into the NHL, according to some organizations. Why add a challenge to the school benches?
“I didn’t want to join a program just because it was the easiest. I wanted to do something I liked, even if it’s difficult, Levi replies. This is why I chose computer science. My father has a lot of knowledge on the subject. He’s building a business that uses concepts from computer science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. That’s why I followed his trail. ”
His choice, however, causes Condon to keep a close eye on him.
“I see myself in him a bit, because sometimes he pushes it too much,” Condon adds. I want to be there to make him understand when to work and when to recover. He is studying in a very difficult program. He’s also a 19-year-old in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. He must have a good social life. So I want to make sure he has a good balance in his life. ”
A good start
The season is still young, but Levi has not missed his comeback in the college ranks. He is 8-4-0. His .943 efficiency earns him the fourth highest goaltender in the US college network and is seventh in goals against average (1.58). Impressive statistics for a 19-year-old.
Theoretically, he’s considered a sophomore, having been with the Huskies last season. Except that the circumstances made him miss the short 2020-2021 season. This campaign began on December 12. Levi was then with Team Canada Junior heading up to the Under-20 World Championship. And during this tournament, he broke a rib, so much so that he needed a period of recovery on his return.
The Buffalo Sabers’ prospect is making up for lost time so far. He played all 12 games for his team, and the other two goalkeepers on the team still haven’t played!
It’s really good to be able to play so much. Last year I played maybe eight games in total, including training camp and the World Championship.
Devon levi
Now it will be interesting to see where his university stay takes him. Life gave him a gift last July when the Florida Panthers, who are counting on the very promising Spencer Knight, traded him to the Sabers in the Sam Reinhart trade. The Sabers don’t necessarily have a future goalie right now. They had high hopes in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but at 22, that second-round pick in 2017 is still not dominant in the American League.
Levi still doesn’t know how many seasons he wants to play in college. But Condon is ready to work with him.
“I think he has the potential to reach the NHL. I just can’t predict when this will happen, notes Condon. Either way, when you work with a youngster, you should never wonder if he has a chance to play in the NHL. Rather, we should ask ourselves if this youngster is worth investing the time and resources in his development. In my opinion, there is no doubt that he meets all the criteria. He’s a good kid, and I love working with him. ”