The prep school route has helped many, many New Englanders prepare themselves for the college game. Thayer Academy defenseman Jake Flynn is no different.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound defenseman from Bridgewater, Mass., concluded his high school career as Thayer’s top defenseman this season, finishing with a career-high seven goals and 23 points in 28 games. Flynn will join the Hockey East ranks for his college career, joining the Huskies of the University of Connecticut.
In New England Hockey Journal’s latest Commitment Q&A, Flynn discusses playing his prep hockey for a veteran of more than 1,000 NHL games and why traveling to the Nutmeg State was the best choice for his hockey career:
How would you describe yourself as a player? Are there NHL players you try to emulate?
I would describe myself as more of an offensive defenseman that moves the puck up ice. I try and watch and emulate Noah Hanifin. He does a good job moving the puck up and also getting up into the rush.
What made UConn the right fit for your college career?
It was a school that wasn’t far from home and I felt very comfortable when I was on campus and with the coaching staff. I also really liked everything they had to offer as a school and hockey program.
What impressed you the most about Mike Cavanaugh and his coaching staff as you were beginning the recruiting process?
What impressed me the most was that he made me feel like they were fully committed to helping me become a better hockey player and that they will help me adapt to the change from prep to college.
When did the college route first becoming something that most interested you? Being a Massachusetts native, I'm sure you have some early memories of the college game.
I knew that playing college hockey was a goal of mine since I was young. Growing up, I just loved going to college hockey games and seeing how the school came together to support their teams, so that was something I want to be apart of.
What other schools did you consider?
UMaine and Bentley were two schools that showed the most interest. A couple of other schools that were starting to show interest were Cornell and Union.
Was staying close to home important to you in the college decision-making process?
It definitely played a part in my decision. Being only an hour and thirty minutes from home will make it feel like I am far enough away but I can make a quick trip home if I have to.
You just finished your fourth season at Thayer. How do you feel that your last season with the Tigers went?
I couldn’t have asked for a better last season at Thayer. We didn’t get the bounces we hoped but with the group we had it made it a ton of fun coming to the rink everyday.
Individually, what areas of your game did you see the most improvement in this year?
I think that a big part of my game that improved this year was my consistency. I did a lot better with playing a steady game and limiting my mistakes.
What is it like playing for someone with as much hockey experience as Tony Amonte? I'm sure the list is long, but what have you learned most from him?
One thing that I learned most playing for Tony was to be a competitor. There are definitely little things that he taught along the way (like not over-handling the puck and getting the puck up to an open forward as quickly as possible), but he always expected everyone to work their hardest every shift and that has helped me a lot.
How are you looking to most improve your game entering UConn next year? Have the coaches discussed anything about roles on the team, etc.
I am looking to focus most on playing a steady game. I also want to be a player that limits my mistakes and is able to get the puck up the ice quickly.
What are your main individual goals before entering college? Off that, where do you see yourself or hope to be as a player at this time next year?
My main individual goals before entering college is to work hard in the gym this spring and summer and put on as much size and strength as possible. Around this time next year, I hope to be a defenseman that does a good job getting the puck up the ice and getting shots on net.
