Fresh off winning his second National Championship in three seasons and playing in two AHL games, defenseman Sean Behrens embarks on his first full season of professional hockey.
The Avalanche selected Behrens in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft before he went on to have a fantastic collegiate career at the University of Denver where he scored 81 points (10g/71a) in 112 games over three seasons, in addition to the aforementioned National Championships.
Behrens is participating in his first NHL training camp, and said it’s going well, adding that he has room to improve his game.
"The pace has been really good,” Behrens said. “[I’m] kind of getting my feet wet, adjusting to pro hockey and pro lifestyle."
At times during this training camp, Behrens played on a defensive pairing with Cale Makar, who he met this summer at a camp at the University of Denver. Behrens has had a great experience playing on a pair with the 2022 Norris Trophy winner.
“He’s a great guy,” Behrens said. “[He’s] always open to talk to. So, it’s awesome playing with him. And being able to watch guys like him, MacKinnon, Rantanen, and be on the ice with them. It’s pretty cool. It’s eye-opening kind of how good they are and how they do things at top speed.”
Behrens said he didn’t do anything differently in the summer in preparation for his first full pro season, but did say it is a different challenge heading into the season.
“I feel like being at Denver each summer had a different challenge for me,” Behrens said. “So, I think that kind of prepared me for this and made me ready for this opportunity.”
During the preseason games, of which he’s already played two, Behrens said being himself is the best thing he can do.
“Play my game,” Behrens said, “Take care of my own end, move pucks quick, and joining the rush when I can.”
