Like many college hockey seniors, Alex Killorn signed his first professional contract after his season came to an end in March. Joining the AHL's Norfolk Admirals, who at the time were in the midst of a record-breaking 28-game winning streak, Killorn may have known he was in for a long playoff run.

Fast forward to late May, as the Admirals await their opponent in the Calder Cup finals. But thanks to their four-game sweep of St. John's that wrapped up Tuesday night, Killorn can relax and enjoy Thursday's Harvard graduation, where he will accept his degree in government.

He wasn't going to miss this day he had worked four years to reach - he had plans to fly in and back in time for Game 5 of the series - but thanks in part to his efforts, those "if necessary" games turned out not to be.

Enjoy the Ceremony

"Now I don't have to worry about that hassle," Killorn told the Virginian-Pilot. "Now I can go and really enjoy the ceremony. I've worked hard for it."

Killorn has done good work in the AHL playoffs as well. His 11 points in 13 playoff games are tied with North Dakota alum Matt Frattin for the scoring lead among AHL rookies. He ranks third among Admirals scorers and has proven to be one of the Tampa Bay Lightning's top prospects.

“I see a guy that is ready to make the jump to the professional ranks,” said Steve Thomas, the Lightning's player development consultant, in a story on the team's web site. “He’s a big, strong kid who can really shoot the puck. He goes out and makes a difference every night for his team.”

Big Senior Year

Killorn had an opportunity to sign with the Lightning last summer. If he had, he would have missed out on a senior season that included All-America and All-ECAC Hockey honors, as well as a resurgence by the Harvard program that led to a berth in the ECAC championship game.

“It seems like I couldn’t have scripted it any better than what happened,” said Killorn. “Our team played real well, we made a good run and I think I definitely improved as a player. I am really happy with my decision.”

Perhaps most importatly, if Killorn hadn't returned for his senior season he wouldn't be where he was Thursday - on Harvard Yard, accepting that degree.