NANAIMO — South Surrey, BC, native Jack O’Brien has committed to play for the Nanaimo Clippers next season. The ‘03 defenceman will also be APing for the Clippers this season.
Coach Naylor says Jack is a throwback type D-man who looks after his own end first but is also more than capable of joining in offensively. Jack’s very calm with the puck and doesn’t panic in situations. Jack comes from a great family and is a very mature young man whom I see captaining the Clippers in near future. The Clippers are happy to have Jack commit to them and Clippers’ fans will enjoy him.
Jack’s comments on his decision to commit to the Clippers.
My name is Jack O’Brien. I’ve been playing hockey for 10 years and have loved every minute of it. I started when I was five playing for the Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association. I played in that great association until I started high school where I then moved to the Delta Hockey Academy (DHA). The DHA has really made a huge impact on me, not only as a hockey player but as a person in general.
The academy puts a huge amount of responsibility on all their athletes. As a 13-year-old this was a very difficult lesson to learn at first. I quickly got the hang of it and before I knew it my hockey journey had begun.
I like to think of myself as a smart, puck moving defenceman. I believe I have the ability to see plays before they even happen because of my positioning and knowledge of the game. I play a strong defensive first game with short offensive bursts here and there.
I think my patience with the puck allows me to stay calm no matter who the opponent is. This past summer a lot happened. I was invited to Clippers main camp as an under-aged player and was given the opportunity to see how junior hockey worked. From the first day I was there I knew this is what i wanted to do.
I am so grateful and excited to get the chance to play with the Clippers in the upcoming season.
Listen to Dan Marshall’s interview with Jack here: Jack O’Brien interview.
