Greg Davis gave up junior hockey to attend university, but the lanky left winger could not let a shot at making it to the National Hockey League slip away.
Davis, 21, announced yesterday that he has signed a two-year contract with the St. Louis Blues and will leave McGill University after two years of varsity hockey and his studies in engineering.
"It was a difficult decision," said Davis, a Calgary native. "But an opportunity like this is too good to pass up. And I can always go back and get my degree after hockey."
It was while checking out McGill winger Mathieu Darche, who signed last summer with the Columbus Blue Jackets, that NHL scouts noticed Davis.
He attended the Washington Capitals' camp last fall, but was cut.
"You skate with guys like Adam Oates and you see how good they are, but I also saw that I wasn't that far away from those guys," Davis said.
Three teams -- St. Louis, Columbus and the New York Rangers -- talked to him about a contract. He finally chose the Blues.
He will spend the summer at a conditioning camp with the Blues' minor-league players in Worcester, Mass., and was told by general manager Larry Pleau he will likely play for the American Hockey League's Worcester Ice Cats next season.
The 6-foot-4 winger hopes to bulk up from 195 pounds to 205 pounds before training camp.
Davis attended a news conference at McGill, and by his side was Alain Vigneault, the former Montreal Canadiens coach who is now a scout with St. Louis.
It was the first time Vigneault met Davis, who was scouted by assistant general manager John Ferguson Jr. and scout Wayne Monday.
"There's 30 teams now. They all need players," said Vigneault, on a short break before he scouts the Eastern Conference final for the Blues. "So every player will get a serious look, here and in Europe.
"And the late bloomers like Greg are going to get their opportunities, too, if they persevere."
Davis was recruited by McGill coach Martin Raymond from the Olds Grizzlies of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Davis chose the Redmen and an education over a chance to play major-junior hockey with the Regina Pats.
In two seasons at McGill, Davis maintained an excellent 3.5 grade-point average and scored 53 goals and 51 assists in 71 games for the Redmen. He was a two-time academic all-Canadian.
"It's hard to believe this can happen," Davis said. "But I guess if you work hard, things come to you.
"I didn't see myself going to the NHL, but last year opened my eyes when I saw Mathieu do it. I thought I could do it, too. It shows what a good league we have."