Riley Duran: From Woburn to the World Stage

Riley Duran’s hockey career has been a tale of perseverance, skill, and determination. Born on January 25, 2002, in Woburn, Massachusetts, Duran’s journey to the professional ranks is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Early Years and Development

Duran’s hockey journey began in his hometown of Woburn, where he played for local teams before moving on to Malden Catholic High School and Lawrence Academy. His impressive performances at the prep school level caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. During his time with the Phantoms, Duran showcased his potential, scoring eight goals and adding 11 assists in 47 games.

College Success and Team USA

Duran’s next step was Providence College, where he continued to develop his game along with fellow Bruins’ prospect Phillip Svedeback. In his sophomore season, he scored eight goals and added 12 assists in 29 games, and earned a spot on Team USA for the 2022 World Junior Championships. Representing his country on the international stage, Duran contributed five points in five games.

Scouting Report

Riley Duran is known for his two-way play, good hands, and playmaking ability. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 181 pounds, he has the base for the physical tools to be an effective player at the professional level. However, scouts I have spoken too noted that he needs to add bulk to his frame to reach his full physical potential. Despite that, Duran’s work ethic and determination have been praised at every level of his career.

Duran has an excellent shot and likes to get into the inside and the front of the opposition net. While he has shown improvement offensively as he matures at each level, he is destined to be a third line winger in a defensive role while being an agitator and a physical presence.

Path to the NHL

Duran’s path to the NHL has been marked by steady progress and consistent development. After three seasons at Providence College, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins in March 2023. He joined the Providence Bruins for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, where he scored two goals and added two assists in 11 games. His performance in the AHL has positioned him as a promising prospect for the Bruins.

Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s Endorsement

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has taken notice of Duran’s potential and development. In the offseason, Sweeney mentioned Duran as one of the young players who could make a legitimate push for an NHL roster spot out of training camp. This endorsement highlights the Bruins’ belief in Duran’s ability to contribute at the highest level.

Conclusion

Riley Duran’s hockey career to date is a story of hard work, perseverance, and continuous improvement. From his early days in Woburn to representing Team USA on the international stage, Duran has shown that he has the skills and determination to succeed. As he continues to develop and refine his game, he has shown some promise. Bruins fans should keep an eye on Duran as he works towards making his mark in the NHL.

In case you missed it, here are the players we previously looked at: Michael DiPietro; Georgii Merkulov; Brett Harrison; Fabian Lysell; Frederic Brunet; Trevor Kuntar.