Gary, Sutter, the Flames' first-round draft pick the year Sheehy joined the organization, came to Calgary straight out of the juniors.
He's still not ready for the NHL.
"Once you have an education, they can't take it away from you," Sheehy says. "The pro game is much faster than the college game. But if you work within your limitations, if you're able to adjust and not try to do things over your head, you're OK."
With four years of higher education--and top-level playing experience--behind them, college players are prepared to spot limitations, to make adjustments.
The Calgary-Harvard connection is more than an interesting coincidence.
It's part of the larger NHL-U.S. college connection which is a tribute to the intelligence--and physical talents--of today's college athletes.