After amassing 46 points in 36 games over two seasons at the University of Manitoba, dynamic forward Brett Davis is taking the next step. This past week he signed a pro deal with the ECHL's Florida Everblades, the two-time defending Kelly Cup champs. 

Davis -- a 2017 NHL Draft pick of the Dallas Stars and veteran of 209 WHL games -- also earned an invite to Charlotte Checkers camp, which begins in early September. The Checkers are the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, giving Davis the chance to move up the ranks towards an NHL roster spot. The Oakbank native suited up for five games with the AHL's Manitoba Moose in 2020-21. 

"That was one of the priorities for us, was to go to a team where I'd have the opportunity to get eyes on me at the AHL level," said Davis.

"Going to camp was a main part of that, and Florida was able to add that into the offer. Hopefully I can make a splash and go from there. I've been to a few pro camps, so it makes things a little more comfortable going into it for sure. Just soaking it in and working my hardest is all I can do. There are a lot of good people and surrounding coaches and staff. I'm just going to try and soak it all in as much as I can."

Davis also won a gold medal as part of Canada's World Universiade roster last year, where he led the international tournament in goals. He departs the Bisons program and the university with nothing but good things to say.

"I absolutely loved my time with the Bisons. I was able to meet a lot of new people, and learn a lot of new things that I hadn't really done before in my life, in terms of a university-level education. It's something I'll cherish forever."