Wiley Sherman was not going to let his opportunity pass him by. The defenseman took full advantage of a four-year career with the Harvard Crimson after being selected by the Bruins in the fifth round (150th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
On Wednesday, the Bruins and Sherman agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2018-19 season, kicking off the next stage of his journey. He will report to the Providence Bruins on an Amateur Tryout Agreement for the remainder of this season. Sherman only needed a few words to describe what he was feeling after signing the deal.
"Just pure excitement," he said. "Ever since I was drafted in 2013, it's kind of always been in the back of my mind, and I couldn't be happier that it happened now."
The 22-year-old will be entering an environment that he has some familiarity with when he takes to the ice with the P-Bruins. He has gotten a taste of the culture and expectations of the organization while attending the Bruins' offseason Development Camps each of the past four years, which he said he expects to help with the transition.
"They definitely expect the best out of you," Sherman said. "I think, one of the nicest things about having been to so many Development Camps is you know the staff pretty well. You get to know them over the summer, so it's pretty great to feel comfortable around them. Everyone is very welcoming."
Sherman was a staple on the blue line during his tenure with the Crimson, helping lead the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Frozen Four in 2017. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound defenseman focuses on taking care of business in the defensive zone first, and he said that he has made progress in certain areas of his game that he will take into the AHL.
"I think it's a pretty simple style of play," said Sherman. "I just try to be, kind of, a defensive defenseman, play shutdown defense, make a good first pass. I think, through my time at school, I've definitely improved my footwork, making the first pass. I got my stick skills a little bit better, though there's a lot of room to improve there."
The Greenwich, Connecticut, native said he is unsure of what to expect in his early days of professional hockey but will look to the veteran leadership for guidance.
"With so many guys in the locker room who have been in pro hockey for a while, there is a ton to learn from all of them," said Sherman. "So, I think, just making sure I get off to a good start, build some friendships, and get all of the advice that I can going through the spring."
Sherman became the second member of the Crimson to sign with the Bruins this week, along with his teammate, Ryan Donato, who debuted in Boston with a three-point performance on Monday.
"He's a very special player," Sherman said of Donato. "Obviously, seeing him do so well in Boston the other night gives you a little bit of confidence. In the back of your mind, you might think, 'maybe I can do this, too,' but for the time being I just want to do as well as I can and contribute where I can in Providence."
