By staying at Thayer (Mass.) Academy and not following the route taken by most highly regarded NHL prospects — that is, playing in top junior-level leagues — Jay O’Brien showed loyalty to his high school and belief in himself.
The Flyers rewarded that belief, selecting the 5-foot-11, 180-pound center with their second pick in the first round of last week’s draft.
“I guess it’s a different path,” O’Brien said after the first day of the Flyers’ development camp Thursday in Voorhees.
There were scouts who questioned his decision to stay in high school and bypass a chance to play in the United States Hockey League.