Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Flyers’ prospects Denver Barkey and Devin Kaplan made a strong professional debut, leading the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to a 5-2 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in their AHL season opener at PPL Center. Game Highlights:
- Denver Barkey’s Impact: The 19-year-old forward, transitioning from a standout OHL career with the London Knights (102 points in 2024-25), scored the game-winning goal in the third period, snapping a wrist shot past the Penguins’ goaltender. Barkey’s speed and forechecking were evident, as he logged significant minutes on the top line and penalty kill. He also notched his first professional point, an assist.
- Devin Kaplan’s Contribution: The 22-year-old, fresh off signing his entry-level contract after a strong NCAA career at Boston University, recorded two goals in the victory. Kaplan’s playmaking and physicality on the second line helped drive the Phantoms’ to victory.
- Team Effort: The Phantoms got great Goaltending from Aleksei Kolosov. Kolosov finished with 27 saves on 29.shots faced, which was good enough for a .931 Save Percentage.
Both prospects showcased the skills that made them standouts in junior and college hockey, with Barkey (third-round pick, 2023) and Kaplan (third-round pick, 2022) signaling bright futures. The Phantoms’ coaching staff praised their chemistry and compete level, setting an optimistic tone for the 2025-26 AHL campaign.
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