Jake Braccini commits to Minnesota

Buffalo, MN native Jake Braccini has become the fourth person in a week to verbally commit to play men's hockey at Minnesota.

Proud to announce my commitment to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota. Thanks to everyone who's helped me get here #gophs 〽️

— Jake Braccini (@BracciniJake) September 5, 2017

The 2001-born forward had one of the top Bantam seasons among Minnesota players in his age group and attended the national Select 16 Camp in Amherst, NY this summer.

Listed at 5'11" 175 lbs, Braccini was the sixth overall pick in May's USHL Phase 1 Draft by the Bloomington Thunder (since re-named the Central Illinois Flying Aces). Adding Braccini means the Gophers have three verbal commits among the top 10 picks.

From Chris Dilks of SB Nation College Hockey:

Jacob Braccini-Buffalo HS-Braccini is a strong, athletic skater, with explosive quickness. If his hockey sense can match his physical abilities, he could be a home run pick.

(Full disclosure: I've also been a writer for SB Nation College Hockey.)

Braccini is expected to spend his sophomore year playing high school hockey for Buffalo. While most 16 year-olds do not play full-time in the USHL, Central Illinois did keep Braccini on its affiliate list for next season. (For that matter, fellow Minnesota commit Jake Boltmann also has his rights held by Central Illinois.) He is among those listed participating in the Minnesota HS Elite League this fall.

Recent Minnesota hockey commits:

-Chaz and Cruz Lucius (men's)
-Aaron Huglen (men's)
-Audrey Wethington - Blake (women's)
-Tella Jungels - Edina (women's)
-Jake Ratzlaff (men's)