After suffering through an injury-plagued campaign with the Providence Friars this past season and entering the NCAA Transfer Portal in late April, Philadelphia Flyers forward prospect Jay O’Brien has committed to play in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the Penticton Vees next year. O’Brien likely opted for the BCHL instead of any of the Canadian Hockey Leagues (CHL’s) in order to keep his NCAA eligibility and return to the collegiate league for the 2020-21 season.
It’s not often you see first round selections go from college back to juniors, especially when it’s a step below the CHL, but last season wasn’t anywhere near regular for O’Brien given all of the injuries.