Certain players seem like perfect fits for a specific program. That’s particularly true in the case of Woburn, Mass., native Riley Duran, who, on Monday morning, announced his commitment to play college hockey at Providence College. Duran, who just last week was named one of the top uncommitted '02 forwards in New England, has a...
Certain players seem like perfect fits for a specific program. That’s particularly true in the case of Woburn, Mass., native Riley Duran, who, on Monday morning, announced his commitment to play college hockey at Providence College.
Duran, who just last week was named one of the top uncommitted '02 forwards in New England, has a playing style that will mesh well with the brand of hockey played by Providence coach Nate Leaman.
“I chose Providence College because of the commitment of excellence to both the hockey program and academics,” said Duran. “The structure of a big-time program in a small-school environment led by Coach Leaman and a top-notch staff all contributed to my decision.”
Duran will play this upcoming season for prep hockey power Lawrence Academy. He played his freshman season for his father, Jim Duran, at Woburn High School before moving onto Malden Catholic for his sophomore campaign. Following the conclusion of the 2017-18 season, NEHJ ranked Duran as the second-best '02 prospect in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA).
Duran is a complete, 200-foot player who is just scratching the surface of who he can become as he moves up the ladder. He’s tall and lanky right now, but as he’s started filling out in terms of lower-body strength, he’s added an element of explosiveness to his game.
He had two goals and five assists in six games during July’s USA Hockey Select 16 Player Development Camp in Amherst, N.Y, including one assist in the camp's All-Star Game. NEHJ ranked him as the 21st-best forward at the camp. He was invited to the prestigious national showcase following a superb Mass. Festival.
Duran does a good job of playing to his strengths. He doesn’t have the best hands, but he moves well north and south, gets on pucks quickly, and either unleashes a hard shot or finds an open teammate.
“I’m a versatile, two-way player with grit and hope to use my skating ability to help contribute to the continued success of the Friar program,” Duran commented.
Duran is slated to matriculate to Providence for the 2020-21 or 2021-22 season. He joins several other promising '02 recruits already committed to the Friars, including U.S. NTDP forward Brett Berard and Salisbury forward Cole Vallese.
