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According to Jeff Cox of the New England Hockey Journal, Jay O’Brien and the Boston University Terriers have delayed the start of their season until January 8. The decision comes after the men’s ice hockey program had a positive COVID-19 test surface last week.
Further hearing that Boston University won’t play a game until at least January 8. Hopefully the Terriers will be able to take to the ice then. https://t.co/hFIM1y9ZeW
— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) December 6, 2020
The school cancelled their first game of the season, which was supposed to take place this past Saturday against the University of Connecticut Huskies, last week after the news originally broke. On top of that three Terriers who were recently named to the preliminary roster of Team U.S.A. will not be attending the squad’s training camp due to BU’s positive COVID-19 test. Forward Robert Mastrosimone (Detroit Red Wings), defenseman Alex Vlasic (Chicago Blackhawks), and goalie Drew Commesso (also a Blackhawks’ prospect) have been replaced by blueliner Tyler Kleven (Ottawa Senators), defenseman Hunter Skinner (New York Rangers), and goaltender Logan Stein.
As for O’Brien, this just lengthens his road to returning to collegiate hockey. After he posted 66 points in 46 games last season for the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, O’Brien was supposed to join BU for the 2020-21 campaign after his poor tenure with the Providence College Friars in 2018-19. The Flyers prospect hasn’t played in a game since March 4 and hasn’t played in a collegiate contest since March 7, 2019. If the Terriers actually do start their season on January 8, they will be opening their 2020-21 season with a home-and-home against O’Brien’s previous school.