All Photos: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
Philadelphia hockey fans are starting to get pretty excited about the Flyers and what may be in store. Everyone knows it’s a rebuilding year but it’s hockey season and it’s been a long time coming. Many of the faithful came out to the training facility early on this gloomy Sunday morning to get a look at their favorite ice hockey club. The balconies were filled with press and Flyers staff including President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones and General Manager Danny Briere.
Every player on the ice is being scrutinized from every possible angle. Training camp has been going on in Voorhees since this past Thursday. Veteran players are getting up to speed for another NHL season however many prospects are battling for a shot at the “Big Team”. The pace is high and the competition is tough, especially in the corners and along the boards. Wade Allison is playing like he is very aware of how hard it may be to earn a spot on this roster. He is working his tail off and he’s not the only one. For most of the participants in this year’s camp this is not a formality it is a battle.
Cam Atkinson
Lots of eyes are on Cam Atkinson to see how he’s bouncing back after missing all of the 2022-23 season. Atkinson showed up to camp last year but did not appear in any pre-season games. Cam was attempting to rehab a neck injury that eventually required surgery. He’s not appeared in a game since April of 2022. So naturally he’s under the microscope right now. Atkinson not only looks comfortable and confident during camp so far he is actually standing out in a very good way. He looks to have a grasp on all of the factors that make up his game. He looks fast, determined, and crafty as his team goes through various drills and inter-squad scrimmages.
The Flyers will play their first preseason game Monday night at 7PM against the Devils. It will be a split squad game for the Devils. This means half of Jersey’s camp will be in New Jersey playing the Flyers and the other half will be in Montreal to face off against the Canadiens. It is the first of six pre-season matches for the Flyers which will take place over the next week and a half.
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