Catching up with… Jordan Harris

MONTREAL - It's been an exciting year for Canadiens prospect Jordan Harris. He was picked by Montreal in the third round of the 2018 Draft (71st overall), he started his first season of college hockey, and he's fresh off winning the Beanpot with his fellow Northeastern University Huskies. We caught up with the Haverhill, MA native to find out about the big win at TD Garden, playing with Cayden Primeau, and more.

Congrats on winning the Beanpot! Tell us about your experience.JORDAN HARRIS: It was really cool. Especially growing up in Massachusetts and watching it myself as a kid, it was definitely really exciting. My family and I would always go to college games when I was young. [The Beanpot] was definitely on our list of games to see during the year.

Was that the biggest rink you've played in and biggest stage you've played on so far?JH: So far, yes, definitely. Especially with all the students from my school who came out. Playing at TD Garden was definitely really special. I would say it was definitely the most people I've played in front of at this point.
Did that affect you at all?JH: I definitely noticed it when we got out there. It didn't really hit me until at the game or even the next day. Before the game, you're just focused on what you have to do. It doesn't really hit you then. But looking back on the pictures and some of the videos the next day I was like, "Wow, it's kind of crazy to be in that position finally."
You earned a point in the Beanpot final. Do you think scoring a point in such an important game will help your confidence levels the rest of the way?JH: A little. I was just happy to contribute to the game. It definitely settled me in a little bit to the game. It was nice to get on the scoreboard as a team. It was a little bit of a confidence-booster, for sure.
Tell us what it's been like playing with Cayden Primeau. What was it like to see him compete in a tournament atmosphere?JH: Cayden has been great. He's a great kid on and off the ice. I know he likes to compete and he's an extremely hard worker. Just being able to play with him this year… I met him at Canadiens camp this past summer. To be able to get to know him and see how much he wants to win and how much work he puts into his craft every day, it's fun to have a teammate like him. He plays well on the biggest stage. Especially at the Beanpot, winning MVP and best goalie. We as a team weren't really surprised, because we see him do that on a daily basis. It's definitely been great to be going through the season with him behind us.

You're among the team leaders in plus-minus differential and blocked shots, and you're right up there in points among defensemen on the Huskies this season. Fair to say the transition from high school to college has been pretty smooth for you?JH: It's been good. I'm just happy to be able to contribute to the team. It was definitely a bit of an adjustment coming from high school - the speed, the way we play. The coaches have been great with their support and always sharing their knowledge. It's been good. My teammates have been great. I've talked to some of the older guys and they've given some great advice on how to go through your daily routine, know that it's a long season, and try not to get too high or too low. It's been good. I couldn't ask for a better place or team to step right into.

We spoke to your former coach, Tim Whitehead, earlier and he told us you were quite the lacrosse player back at Kimball Union Academy. We assume your lacrosse days are over now?JH: Yes, definitely. It was fun while it lasted, but there's no more lacrosse anymore.
What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming in to college hockey?JH: I would say understanding the game as a whole, mentally. The college game is more team-oriented, and just understanding what is expected of you as a player at a higher level. In high school, it's not as system-oriented. This year, you've had to focus on the smaller details. That's been one thing that's stuck out to me: making sure you're doing every little detail to the best of your capabilities, 100% of the time, and just being diligent throughout 60 minutes of games.
How do you feel about your team's chances at taking the Hockey East championship and/or earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament?JH: We're in a pretty good spot. I think we have seven games left. They're all extremely important for us, especially because our goal is to try and finish as high as possible in Hockey East and hopefully make the NCAA Tournament. I trust in our team and our ability to do well. The final stretch is really important for us and we're just trying to give us as much of a chance to continue in the playoffs as possible.