MONTREAL – The pandemic is weighing heavily. These days, it feels particularly among young people. But, there is Devon Levi’s smile. A pure smile that is immensely good to see.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper has been floating on cloud nine for just over a month. Levi was propelled there when he saw an Instagram post in which he appeared among 10 goalkeepers eligible for the Olympics.
“I was like wow! I was in shock, I had no idea I would be considered. I was not able to sleep that night. The group has shrunk and I received a call about this possibility. I’m so grateful, I just had a crazy month. It’s going fast and I’ll be an Olympian shortly,” Levi said with a face bright enough to lift a few people’s spirits.
Levi met the media virtually on Tuesday after his first practice with the Canadian team drawn up for the Beijing Olympics. The training led by Claude Julien is preparing in Davos, Switzerland, until February 1.
“It’s really cool to be here, I’ve never left North America before. I love that. There’s nothing like jumping on the ice with the Canada logo. Last year, I thought it was the last time I put on the Canada jersey and here I am again,” added Levi, unable to get rid of his smile.
The Montrealer is referring to his participation in the World Junior Championship, the tournament during which he catapulted his reputation to a whole new level.
In fact, he’s using his stellar performances in net for Canada to show confidence in his adaptation to the higher caliber of the Olympic Games.
“I had just played in the CCHL, a league not as strong as the talent present in the WJC and my transition was not that bad, I felt comfortable thanks to the practices. The only thing I’m going to focus on is having fun, that’s how I can play at the level I’m capable of,” Levi said modestly.
That said, the Northeastern University Huskies’ newest star admits the challenge will be daunting.
“There are some very talented players who will definitely put me in the way and it will be difficult to stop some shots, but it is a challenge that I am very excited to take on,” added the masked man who presents a file 16-7-1, with a 1.55 GAA, .948 save percentage and 9 shutouts.
Even though Levi is having an extraordinary season with Northeastern, he doesn’t have the experience of Matt Tomkins let alone that of Edward Pasquale. Levi will have to prove he can compete with them – and even surpass them – to see action in China.
“I love being the underdog “, recalled the one who convinced the Florida Panthers to draft him in the seventh round.
Since this publication which made him dream, day after day, Levi has made sure to shine.
“At the beginning, it was difficult to calm down. Over the past month, I’ve done everything I can to show that I’m ready and capable of playing at this level. The decision will be up to the coach. But whether I get the starting job or not, I’ll be happy even if it’s sure that I want to play during the Olympics, “said the friendly athlete who speaks French well.
Julien admitted that the competition is on in front of the net. He and his entourage could not identify a goalkeeper who starts with a clear head start. But he assures that Levi has everything he needs.
“We believe in them, they are here because we consider that they are ready for such a competition. He (Levi) is having a very good season and he has enormous potential. This week, we will have the opportunity to assess it even more closely. Our group all saw the same thing, they are ready to help us win,” testified the coach.
Even if he had to settle for a secondary role, Levi would not be shaken.
“A year ago, I would never have thought of going to the Olympics. It’s really a dream to be there, I watched several of these players when I was very young, “concluded Levi who has not finished being amazed and that’s good.
The Buffalo Sabers, who acquired him from the Panthers, won’t be the only ones to watch him and see if he’ll be as happy on February 20, when the gold medal will be awarded to the champion team.
