Back on July 1st Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Jeremy Bracco told PPP he was excited to go to school after his time in the USHL.
"Going to school, I’m lucky and fortunate enough to go with a few of the guys," Bracco said, alluding to teammates Colin White and Casey Fitzgerald.
However he still had his ears open to other possibilities that the Leafs may have for him.
"Right now I’m focused on school," Bracco said, "But going into mini camp if they (the Leafs) sit me down and say they think that’s better for my development and that that route’s better for me to step in quicker or become a better player overall then that’s a conversation I’m going to have with them come mini camp."
Nothing came of that then and Bracco headed to Boston to take on four free years at one of the top schools, and play in the NCAA. Three games into his NCAA season Bracco had no points but on his road trip to Colorado College Bracco assisted on all three of BC's goals in a 3-0 shutout.
All three of Bracco's goals in the game were the primary assists, including a particularly nice feed on the third goal. Head coach Jerry York called Bracco "snake bitten" after the game, so the breakout performance is no fluke. - Scott Wheeler
What was an amazing game for a freshman, and a great start to his time with BC may have been for naught. This morning MikeMcMahon of CollegeHockeyNews.com reported that Bracco may be leaving BC a few years earlier than expected.
Four sources say Jeremy Bracco will sign with the Kitchener Rangers. None will confirm the deal is signed but told it's happening soon.
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) October 28, 2015 After this news started to trickle out, next one up is Bob McKenzie, father to the Kitchener Rangers Assistant GM/coach, Mike McKenzie.
Following up on @MikeMcMahonCHN report, TOR prospect Jeremy Bracco has informed Boston College he is leaving school.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 28, 2015 Bracco has not yet signed with @OHLRangers but is scheduled to be in Kitchener later today. Bracco was TOR's 2nd round pick last June.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 28, 2015 Also, important to note that at this point, no one has confirmed Bracco has or will sign an ELC with Toronto. At least not yet.
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) October 28, 2015 Could we see Bracco in the OHL soon? With his visit to the city mid-season there's little doubt in a lot of minds. It is an odd move for someone who has missed many opportunities with the Maple Leafs up until this point. He missed Leafs camp, OHL camp, missed 12 Kitchener Rangers games, and would be giving up a scholarship to Boston College.
The Kitchener Rangers would like to see Bracco join their top ranked OHL team. The Rangers sit in first place in the league, one point ahead of the east's Kingston Frontenacs, and with no regulation time losses (9-0-3).
Obviously something was missing in his earlier talks with the Rangers, and the Leafs.
We may see a conclusion to this story sooner than later, or he'll go back to BC, but making the move to visit Kitchener mid-season, we'll most likely see him swap maroon for blue.
UPDATE: Chris Peters of CBS Sports has reported that Boston College confirms Bracco has left the program.
Boston College confirms Maple Leafs Jeremy Bracco has left the program.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) October 28, 2015 Boston College has also just released a statement confirming his move.
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Boston College forward Jeremy Bracco has decided to depart the men's ice hockey program.
The Freeport, N.Y., native recorded three assists in five games played for the Eagles, finishing with a +3 plus/minus rating.
Bracco was one of 15 forwards on this year's roster and one of nine freshmen.
On Oct. 23, 2015 at Colorado College, Bracco posted a season-best three assists.
Update 2:It's official.
The Kitchener Rangers announced today that forward Jeremy Bracco has committed to an Ontario Hockey League standard player agreement with the club. Bracco was the team’s fifth round pick (84th overall) in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.
Rangers General Manager Murray Hiebert is delighted at the addition of Bracco, and says he should have an immediate impact on the hockey club.
“Jeremy brings with him a proven playmaking ability that we’re looking forward to injecting into our lineup. His performance at the World U-18 championship proved he can play at the highest level.
Ther'es no official start dfate for his first game with the Rangers, but they play on the 29th, 30th, and November 1st this weekend, so my guess is he will have stated play by the home game on November 1st.
