Photo courtesy of Matthew Wolfe, Portland Winterhawks
The Portland Winterhawks have the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft in Seth Jarvis and he’s shown why he got selected then. The 19-year-old was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in last year’s draft and has been on a tear so far this season. Jarvis started out in the with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL) collecting 11 points in nine games with seven goals and four assists. After those 11 games with the Wolves, Jarvis returned to Portland to join the Winterhawks for their shortened divisional season. This season with Portland, Jarvis was awarded with the privilege of being one of the alternate captains.
“Yeah, it meant a lot, I think any time you can be a leader, is big whether you’re wearing an A or not. But I think for me I felt like it was a good time for me to really step up as a leader, really up that part of my game and my personality as well,” Jarvis said.
Jarvis also touched on the aspect of taking some of the younger guys under his wing and showing them the ropes like what others have done for him. Despite not being able to do much off the ice due to restrictions because of the pandemic, he does what he can when they’re on the ice help the younger players. He said he’s there as somebody others can look up to and see across the ice practicing hard. If somebody is struggling to make a play, he tries helping them with it or points out something they might do differently.
“When we’re at the rink, I try to make the most of it, just show them an example of someone that will work hard, but can see the game and play creatively and freely,” Jarvis said.
Relationship with Cody Glass
One player that took Jarvis under his wing during his time in Portland was Cody Glass. He explained how they’re both from the same hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba so they’d known each other for awhile.
“Just being around him, seeing what he did, just kind of taking parts of his game and implementing them into mine was big,” Jarvis said.
When Glass first made it to the professional ranks, he spent time with the then Vegas Golden Knights AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. The Golden Knights have since changed affiliates, as well as the Hurricanes who are now the Wolves’ parent club. When it came to Jarvis’ time with the Wolves, Glass provided him with some advice. Jarvis said that Glass explained to him to just enjoy himself, that he’s there for a reason, you’re there because you play a certain way and that they liked it so he doesn’t have to change it.
Transition to professional level
As far as the transition from the WHL to the professional level, Jarvis touched on the step up in play. He explained players are way bigger and more physical so you have to make adjustments for battles in the corner or in front of the net. Jarvis explained how the biggest adjustment for him was having to be more strategic with his smaller body to get under others and use his leverage. He also touched on how those at the professional level move the puck quickly.
“So I think being able to move the puck and make plays and see plays before they develop was something I really noticed that everyone can do at that level and maybe get a little bit easier,” Jarvis said.
When it comes to players he models his game after, Jarvis said he loves Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He touched on how Point is a smaller player who can make an impact and how he’s grown his game and become a superstar. Jarvis said he not only wants to recreate that with himself, but model his style of play. So far in this shortened WHL season, Jarvis has picked up seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 14 games. Expect Jarvis to finish strong and go on another tear in what is hopefully a full season next year.
Being selected by the Carolina Hurricanes
With the circumstances that be with the pandemic, Jarvis wasn’t able to attend an in-person draft, but it was still a special moment for him and his family. He said he was home with family and friends sitting in his living room in front of a laptop since it was a virtual draft.
“When I heard that moment, I think it was the first time I’ve seen my dad have that much emotion, he gave me a big hug, my mom was crying and stuff like that,” Jarvis said. “It was something I’ll cherish with me forever, I had grandparents there, aunts, uncles, so just being able to share that moment with family and friends, it was something that I won’t be able to replace and I’m just glad I got to have that moment.”
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Northwest Sports Desk 