Next year, the 18-year-old is set to be on the roster for the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League, the former team of the Avalanche's 2016 first-round draft pick Tyson Jost. After that, he has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Notre Dame in 2018-19.
ColoradoAvalanche.com talked with Leivermann about being drafted, playing hockey in Minnesota and his future at Notre Dame.
Did you watch the draft and how did you hear about being drafted by the Avalanche?
"Funny story actually. I was on the couch with my mom watching the TV, and there was a really bad storm in Minnesota that day, so the TV kept coming in and out. We heard 'from Eden Prairie, Minnesota,' and then the TV cut out. So, we didn't know exactly who it was, but we assumed it was me since there weren't many kids on my team who were maybe going to get drafted. Then I got a bunch of texts like six seconds later saying congratulations."
How old were you when you first started skating?
"I would say around 3 or 4 years old. I started early. Growing up in Minnesota, everyone starts early there and you got to start somewhere--probably on a pond or backyard rink."
Did you have a backyard rink growing up?
"I do. My dad sets it up every winter, and it did nothing but improve my skills."
What were your thoughts going into the draft? Did you have any gut feelings of who might take you?
"I had talked with a couple of teams here and there like Calgary and Winnipeg. I had no idea exactly, and I didn't know when I would go. Just being drafted by an organization like Colorado makes it that much better. I am very excited, and I am happy with what the future holds."
