BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — When Jacob Bryson was selected with the 99th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, Buffalo Sabres fans didn't know much about the 5'9" freshman from Providence.
Two years later he's becoming a household name for college hockey fans as his team prepares for the Frozen Four, coincidentally enough in the town where he was drafted.
Say hello to #Sabres 2017 fourth round draft pick Jacob Bryson, who has captained the Friars to the #FrozenFour @WKBW pic.twitter.com/gW4mm0SQXZ
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 10, 2019
"As a team, it's so special just to be here," Bryson said. "Buffalo does make it nicer. We're mostly focused on Thursday's game, hopefully winning that one, taking home a national championship."
In his third season with the Friars, Bryson has been one of the best players in college hockey and has 27 points in 41 games. His play has earned him some serious praise from experts around the country and his coach, Nate Leaman.
"I think Jacob is a wonderful player, he's got it both offensively and defensively," Leaman said Wednesday. "He doesn't force the game. He doesn't try to do something that's not there."
Here's what @FriarsHockey head coach Nate Leaman said about 2017 #Sabres draft pick Jacob Bryson's development since he was selected by Buffalo @WKBW pic.twitter.com/RpDdE3kKjh
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 10, 2019
"I've come a long way just from playing under Coach Leaman's wing," Bryson added. "Every player has developed every day. When you come to the rink at Providence College, you're there to get better."
