D-CAMP: Devine set to chase third NCAA championship at Denver
The leading scorer for the Pioneers in the 2023-24 season was a 20-year-old forward, who achieved a remarkable career-best of 27 goals.
FORT LAUDERDALE – Jack Devine is building quite the collection of jewelry.
Having already clinched national championships in 2022 and 2024 with Denver, the Florida Panthers prospect is eagerly anticipating his final year in college, aiming to secure a third championship ring for his impressive resume.
However, he is also being cautious not to get too ahead of himself.
Devine reflected on the second day of development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex on Tuesday, stating, “We’re simply approaching it day by day.” He emphasized that the team’s approach last year was to stay grounded and not get too far ahead. They remained focused on each game and took it one day at a time. Despite facing challenges and even experiencing losses, they remained committed to their process and used those moments as opportunities for growth.
Devine made the tough call to put his professional aspirations on hold and return to school, but he believed it was the smartest choice. This decision will allow him to further improve his skills during another season and also complete his finance degree.
After the decision was made, the Panthers provided him with their complete support.
Devine, a seventh-round pick in 2022, expressed his gratitude towards the Panthers, stating, “The Panthers are an exceptional organization. I feel incredibly fortunate for the unwavering support they have provided me. Making the decision to join them was not easy and required careful consideration. Ultimately, I believe it was the right choice for both myself and my family. The organization has shown immense support and has always prioritized what is in my best interest.”
Devine, as a junior, experienced a breakthrough in the 2023-24 season, achieving his finest performance thus far.
Assuming a prominent position with the Pioneers, he took charge of the team and secured a commendable fourth place ranking nationwide, courtesy of his impressive tally of 27 goals. This marked a remarkable improvement from his sophomore year, where he managed to score only 13 goals.
With a remarkable 56 points, he achieved a career-high in scoring, also securing the seventh spot in the national rankings.
Devine, a top-10 finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, which recognizes the best men’s college hockey player in the nation, expressed his sentiment, stating, “For both my team and me, it was a truly extraordinary experience. Concluding the season with a triumph is an incredible achievement. It was a remarkable year, and I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of it.”
Devine claimed that despite his triumph in securing the national championship as a freshman in 2022, it was the defeat encountered during the first round of the Frozen Four in 2023 that truly molded his character.
As the saying goes, defeat is often the greatest teacher.
Devine and his teammates utilized the lessons learned from their defeat, showcasing an exceptional defensive performance throughout their remarkable journey to the 2023 national championship. They effectively prevented their opponents from scoring more than a single goal in any of the four games played in the tournament.
The Pioneers achieved a 2-0 victory, shutting out Boston College in the championship game.
Devine reflected, “When I won my first year, I didn’t fully comprehend the level of difficulty involved. I guess I expected winning to come naturally. However, experiencing defeat in my sophomore year made me realize that achieving victory requires immense effort and perseverance. Winning alongside my teammates in 2022 holds a special place in my heart, but I also developed a strong bond with the younger players who joined the team in 2024. It was truly gratifying to share the triumph with them.”
Although Devine’s primary focus remains on winning a third ring, he occasionally finds himself daydreaming about the future and the next step.
Once the opportune moment arrives, he is enthusiastic about embarking on a quest for greater accomplishments in the professional realm.
Devine expressed his excitement about the Panthers winning their first-ever Stanley Cup this season, saying, “It’s truly amazing to witness the immense success of the club I was drafted by. It gives me confidence that when the right opportunity arises, I can rely on an organization like this to support me. I hope to contribute my best efforts to help the team, whether it’s in Charlotte or Florida.”
Make sure to keep an eye on FloridaPanthers.com for updates on the stories from development camp throughout the entire week.
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