Photo Credit: The London Knights
This Flyers Developmental Camp is different from last year for Denver Barkey. Last year, Barkey was hurt and the Flyers Developmental Staff kept him off the ice for precautionary measures. He was only able to participate in the off-ice stuff for camp.
“Dale (Dale Hunter), my coach, taught me a lot about the defensive zone. You need to get trust from your coach at the next level,” Barkey said in an interview on Wednesday at developmental camp. These are the type of areas and drills the developmental staff hone in on at camp, and this is probably one main reason Barkey is standing out at camp. He’s already familiar with a lot of the drills that his coach obviously does throughout the course of the season
Barkey is a ball of energy and just fun to be around.The sport of hockey is quite unique, it really brings people together. So much so, Barkey loves playing for the London Knights, mainly due to their proud fan base. Barkey had seven short-handed goals last season, which was tied for first in the OHL with fellow teammate Easton Cowan. In addition, Barkey registered a goal and an assist in one of the last games of the season to become part of the 100 point club, yes the 100 point club.
For the season, Barkey netted 35 goals and registered 67 assists for 102 points. It is a goal he set for himself, so this is quite an honor. Last season, Barkey became more of a dual threat, not only scoring wise, but his play away from the puck is far better than it has been in years past. He is what you call a complete player.
It’s no secret that Barkey always commends somebody else for his accolades. He commends All of his teammates and coaches that have helped him to reach this level, but most notably he commended his new brother, “It’s been super cool, become brothers and have become close friends. He’s become a fantastic player,” Barkey said of Oliver Bonk. He said it again during the interview, that both he and Bonk are brothers. both are dynamic, good players for the London Knights both responsible for the program successful season in 2023-24.
This young man in Barkey is very mature for his age. Barkey speaks highly of new Flyers draft pick Jett Luchanko, “He’s unreal,” Barkey said. Of course, Luchanko and Barkey know each other, as Luchanko plays for the Guelph Storm in the OHL.
Barkey very much wants to be a Flyer. He earned his ELC this past season. He really offers a ton for the franchise moving forward.
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