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Providence College received a verbal commitment from one of the top '99 forwards in New England on Saturday. Dexter sophomore Jay O'Brien announced his intention to play college hockey for the Friars on Twitter.
O'Brien, a good skater who is strong on his feet, has made a huge jump over the last year. The right-shot is a complete player who competes hard in all three zones. He plays well away from the puck and is hard to play against. He has good hockey IQ and offensive instincts. He's a player that will thrive in Nate Leaman's system.
As a freshman last season, he didn't see too much ice time for Dan Donato's team in prep school, but he has excelled for the Cape Cod Whalers U16 midget team coached by former Boston College forward Jason Rathbone, whose son is also on the squad.