Woburn native and former Providence College Friar Riley Duran is brimming with anticipation as he enters Boston Bruins Rookie Camp.
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound forward is one of 25 prospects heading to Buffalo this weekend for the 2024 Prospects Challenge, set for September 13-16 at LECOM HarborCenter. The Bruins will face the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New Jersey Devils in three games over four days.
The challenge will serve as a crucial test for Duran and his fellow prospects as they aim to make a mark on the Bruins’ starting lineup.
“I’m ready to go,” said Duran, 22. “I’m excited to play some games. It’s been a long summer, and I’m eager to get back on the ice.”
The young winger was clearly energized on Wednesday as he explored his new surroundings and worked out at the team’s state-of-the-art practice facility at Warrior Arena.
“Being here, surrounded by all these professional athletes, is incredible,” said Duran. “Just seeing Brad Marchand every day and witnessing his hard work is inspiring.”
Duran gained valuable experience last year by participating in the Bruins Development Camp. Since then, he has focused on honing his skills to become a full-time NHLer.
“I feel stronger and faster,” said Duran. “I’ve been working hard to improve my game, and I’m ready to showcase what I can do at camp.”
A homegrown product, Duran was drafted by the Bruins in the sixth round (186th overall) in the 2020 Entry Draft. The former Lawrence Academy standout tallied nine goals and 16 points in 35 games for the Friars last season. He finished his collegiate career with 27 goals and 55 points in 102 games.
After forgoing his senior year, Duran signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins in March 2024. He joined the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Providence on an amateur tryout agreement and made his AHL debut on March 26 against Hershey. In 11 games, Duran recorded two goals and two assists, including a three-point performance against Utica on April 12.
Over the summer, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney expressed his excitement about seeing Duran at camp. That endorsement has only fueled Duran’s competitive fire.
“Sweeney told me today, ‘If you work hard enough, we’ll make room for you,'” said Duran. “But you just have to play hard and be yourself.”
If recent history is any indication, Duran has a real opportunity to make it to the NHL level. He can look to forwards Matt Poitras, John Beecher, and defenseman Mason Lohrei, who all successfully transitioned from Providence to Causeway Street last season.
“It’s really cool to see that,” said Duran. “Everyone’s journey is different, but it’s great to be around those guys and see how hard they work.”
According to Providence Bruins coach Ryan Mougenel, this rookie group appears determined to make a strong first impression.
“We wanted these guys to get their feet wet,” said Mougenel. “I think their mindset has changed a little bit. They realize that a strong rookie camp can lead to opportunities. It’s a testament to the youth movement and how they’ve pushed themselves. For these guys to come into camp and see that there are tangible opportunities in front of them is a great message.”
Despite the heightened expectations, Duran is hoping to remain grounded.
“I just want to mature as a player,” said Duran. “Going from a 30-game college season to 70-80 games is a big adjustment, but I feel I can handle it. I just want to work hard and bring my competitive spirit to the ice every day.
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