[MissTeeks]

http://flamesfrom80feet.blogspot.ca/...o-wannabe.html

In September when many Flames prospects in town for development camp will return for rookie camp, Mark Jankowski will not be among them.

Instead, Calgary's 2012 first round pick will be on the campus of Providence College, making his way to class with his backpack slung over his shoulder.

But he sure wanted to make that return visit.

Following the lead of Johnny Gaudreau last year, who left Boston College after three years, and his Friars teammate Jon Gillies, who turned pro this summer after three years of college, Jankowski also looked into bypassing his final year and turning pro.

"After the season, we had a few conversations about how the year went, how I felt I progressed as the season went on, what did I want to do for next year and what they think would be best," Jankowski said.

The discussions involved Calgary GM Brad Treliving and his management team as well as Jankowski's adviser and his family.

"We had good talks and in the end, they thought it was best for me to come back for my senior year, get my degree and just try and have that full year where we've got the target on our back," Jankowski said. "I think it's going to be a good challenge for us and for me personally and I'm really looking forward to it."

Jankowski says it's a very reassuring feeling to know that despite being drafted by Jay Feaster and the Flames old management regime, Treliving has been very upfront in making him feel valued and not forgotten.


"Mr. Treliving and his staff have been unbelievable," Jankowski said. "Last year at development camp when we had our one-on-one meetings, he just said we have a lot of faith in you. We know you might be feeling a little uneasy because there was a different staff but don't worry about that at all. We've seen you and we like you."

Jankowski, however, has nothing but good things to say about the Flames.

"I couldn't be any happier to be in Calgary. It's a great organization and a great city and I'm glad to be here," he said as development camp got going.

As for fears about how long he's taking to develop, that was always going to be the case if you remember back to what Feaster said when he was drafted.

“Everyone’s different. Everyone develops at their own pace," said Jankowski. "From day one, every day you’re trying to get a little bit better no matter what you do. In the way you eat, how you sleep, how you train, how you practice. Every day I’m just trying to get a little bit better. Tune out everything else and just worry about myself."