Tyce Thompson vital piece of Providence’s freshman class

Providence forward Tyce Thompson (Rich Gagnon)

In what is arguably the best recruiting class in school history, one player continues to fly under the radar.

While three classmates are draft picks, including first rounder Jay O’Brien (Hingham, Mass.), Tyce Thompson has been perhaps the most pleasant surprise for Providence College.

Thompson, from Milford, Conn., has four assists, all coming in the No. 3 Friars’ two Hockey East games. While Thompson’s hot start might be a shock to some, it didn't catch Providence head coach Nate Leaman off guard.