After attending his second NHL development camp in as many years, Estevan's Brant Harris is preparing for his senior year with the Connecticut Huskies.
Harris was one of 44 players who took part in the San Jose Sharks' development camp last week, running from Monday to Friday.
The 22-year-old forward had attended the Washington Capitals' development camp last summer, and he said that experience helped him be "a lot more comfortable" entering the Sharks' camp.
"I think it went pretty well. It was a little different of a camp than what was in Washington," said Harris, noting that he met Sharks head coach Todd McLellan and some players. "I got to learn some things and see where I'm at compared to other guys.
"They seemed to break down the game and really focus on developing individual skills. We had one scrimmage on Thursday, but other than that, we were on the ice every day, worked out every day and worked on things that are important to get to the next level. It was good hearing from these people about what to focus on."
Skating has always been a strong point of Harris' game, and the Sharks noticed that.
"There are a few things they point out. Skating's obviously pretty important to be able to go on to the next level. It was something they emphasized. They like my speed, but it's something that has to keep improving, (as well as) my balance on skates."
Harris is coming off a junior year at UConn that started off slow, but gained steam as it went on.
In his first year as Huskies captain, Harris posted 15 goals and 31 points in 37 games, similar totals to his sophomore year, in which he had 18 goals and 33 points.
"I thought it was a very successful year, personally. It started off very rough points-wise, but I was still playing better hockey compared to my sophomore year. After Christmas I started to get more points, things started to open up and I went to the net," said Harris.
"I'm playing better hockey and improving every year."
Although he has spent the last little while focusing on the San Jose camp, that will shift now for Harris, as he prepares for his final season of college hockey.
"I don't know if I want to be thinking about (a possible pro contract) too much going into the year and if the year doesn't go as planned, have that hanging over my head. That's what the early part of the summer is for, talking to teams and setting up camps, and now it's about (getting ready for the season)," he said.
Harris spent his SJHL career with the Estevan Bruins and Melfort Mustangs, recording 104 points in 147 games over three seasons of junior hockey.
