Photo Credit: The great Zack Hill
Talk about taking his game to another level, Jake was a +14 last in 2019-20 for the Flyers as he continued to play the game the right way. Voracek produced 12g,44a, lead by example, and was en route to his fourth straight consecutive season of 60 points or more until the season was halted to the Coronavirus (13 games remained). When Voracek speaks, the media and fans alike listen. He was one of the best players to interview, and one of the best questions I asked him was what the Flyers victory song for the 2020-21 season, “We just selected it last night, there was a disagreement over it,” Voracek said laughing trying to keep me in suspense, “Who cares.” The elusive “Who cares” is a statement that many people can associate Jake with.
Jake was one of the best players to interview. In this World it’s hard to find athletes to be as honest as him, and very rare nowadays with social media the way it is. However, it’s Jake’s personality to be an easy going guy, and he sure doesn’t hold back from speaking his mind.
At the end of the day Jake is an ordinary guy that is funny, and commands respect from his teammates. If he sucks he will tell you he sucks, if he plays well he will tell you he plays well. That same day of practice I also asked him what is given to the players who have been given the player of the game, “It’s something that shouldn’t be discussed publicly, with the media, or anybody else,” Voracek said. He continued, “You might want to ask someone younger or someone else. Maybe they will tell you,” Voracek said laughing.
The shortened season came and went, and Jake was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Cam Atkinson at the draft. That was the day that will live in infamy for Flyers fans, as Jake’s career was cut short in 2022-23 due to concussions. His contract was then traded to the Arizona Coyotes on March 2nd 2023.
Voracek was a leader this young Flyers team craved. He was very tough to move on the puck, and he was good on the Power Play. An underrated part to Jake’s game was zone entries, and that’s something that the Flyers currently struggle with today on the Power Play.
Believe it or not, Voracek currently sits 10th All-Time in Flyers history with 601 points, 5th in assists with 427, 5th in Power Play assists with 162, and 8th in Power Play Points with 208.
Next season, Voracek should be given a curtain call, much like his good ole’ pal Wayne Simmonds did this past season. Voracek I should be able to retire as a Flyer, since he announced his retirement recently. Jake would be more than deserving of this honor, is he sits near the tops in most offensive categories within the Flyers organization.
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