Northeastern University | Devon Levi loves a challenge | The Press

(New York) During our visit to Northeastern University on Saturday, Jordan Harris explained to us why several university players – including him – study business administration.

“There are players who would like to do something else, study science, for example. But the hours of access to the laboratories would too often come into conflict with hockey, ”said the hope of the Canadian.

Obviously, Devon Levi didn't get the note. The Montrealer, starting goaltender at Northeastern, is studying computer science, a choice that still stuns his goalie coach, Mike Condon. “It's probably the toughest program at Northeastern! says Condon, a Yale graduate in political science.

“It's still difficult. It takes a lot, a lot of time, admits Levi, in an interview in French with La Presse. I spend a lot of time in the arena, so I have to work hard at home. »

Levi already faces a tall order on the ice because he's "only" 6' tall, which some organizations say is considered too small to break into the NHL. So why add a challenge on the school benches?

“I didn't want to join a program just because it was the easiest. I wanted to do something I loved, even if it's hard, Levi replies. That's why I chose computer science. My father has a lot of knowledge on the subject. He is building a company that uses concepts from computer science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. That's why I followed his trail. »

His choice, however, has Condon watching him closely.

"I see myself in him a bit, because sometimes he does too much," adds Condon. I want to be there to make him understand when to work and when to recover. He studies 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 did not miss his return to the university ranks. He shows an 8-4-0 record. His .943 efficiency ranks him fourth in goaltending in the American college system and he is seventh in goals against average (1.58). Impressive stats for a 19-year-old.

Technically, he's considered a second-year player, since he was with the Huskies last season. Except that circumstances made him miss the short 2020-2021 season. This campaign began on December 12. Levi was then with Team Canada junior in view of the World Under-20 Championship. And during this tournament, he broke a rib, so he needed a recovery period when he returned.

The Buffalo Sabers prospect is making up for the time lost so far. He played all 12 games for his team, and the other two team goalkeepers still haven't played!

It's really good to be able to play so much. Last year, I played maybe eight games in all, including training camp and the World Championship.

Devon Levi

It will now be interesting to see where his college time takes him. Life gave him a gift last July when the Florida Panthers, who rely on the very promising Spencer Knight, traded him to the Sabers in the Sam Reinhart trade. The Sabers don't necessarily have an up-and-coming goaltender right now. They had high hopes for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but at 22, the 2017 second-round pick still isn't dominant in the American League.

Levi still doesn't know how many seasons he wants to play in college. But Condon is willing to work with him.

“I think he has the potential to reach the NHL. I just can't predict when that will happen, notes Condon. Anyway, when you work with a young person, you should never ask yourself if he has a chance to play in the NHL. We should rather ask ourselves if this youngster is worth investing the time and resources for his development. In my eyes, there is no doubt that he meets all the criteria. He's a good kid, and I love working with him. »