Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk are looking to make an impression at Flyers’ Rookie Camp, after “Crushing” Jersey Mike’s sandwiches to get a bit bigger

The Flyers’ 2025 Rookie Camp kicked off on September 11 at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, New Jersey, featuring a roster of 24 prospects, including forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. The camp runs through September 16, with practices open to the public and two exhibition games against the New York Rangers’ rookies on September 12 and 13 at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

This event serves as a crucial evaluation period for young players transitioning to professional hockey, with many eyeing spots on the Flyers’ NHL roster or the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Among the standout attendees are forwards like Ethan Samson and Alex Bump, but particular attention has fallen on Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk—former teammates from the OHL’s London Knights—who are both turning pro this season and are determined to leave a strong mark.

Who Are Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk?

Barkey and Bonk share a notable history, having been drafted by the Flyers in 2023 (Bonk at 22nd overall in the first round, Barkey at 95th in the third round) and excelling together with the London Knights. In the 2024-25 OHL season, they helped the team win both the OHL Championship and the Memorial Cup, showcasing their chemistry on and off the ice. Both are 20 years old and have spent much of the Summer training together in Philadelphia, building toward their professional debuts. They were sidelined during the Flyers’ July 2025 development camp due to minor injuries—Barkey with a high-ankle sprain and Bonk with bumps and bruises—but both entered rookie camp fully cleared and unrestricted.

• Denver Barkey (Forward, LW, 5’10, 174 lbs): A gritty, high-energy playmaker with leadership qualities honed as London’s captain, Barkey recorded an impressive 82 points in 50 OHL games last season. He’s known for his speed, competitiveness, and ability to blend finesse with physicality, despite his smaller frame (which he’s bulked up over the past two years). As a 2023 third-round pick, Barkey is expected to start with the Phantoms in the AHL but views rookie camp as a key opportunity to impress the Flyers’ staff and potentially push for NHL time later in the season, “For me it’s another chance to make a food impression. Showing up everyday, listening to the coaching staff,” Barkey said yesterday. He also said both he and Bonk Have been “Crushing” Jersey Mike’s, and his favorite sub is an Italian with no onions..

• Oliver Bonk (Defenseman, 6’2, 200 lbs): A poised, two-way blueliner selected 22nd overall in 2023, Bonk had a strong junior career, including stints with Team Canada at the last two World Junior Championships. Last season, he addressed past criticisms about his pace by improving his skating and physical presence. To prepare for pro hockey, Bonk focused on bulking up over the summer, reportedly consuming 2,000-calorie subs nightly (a habit he shares with Barkey). Like Barkey, he’s projected for the Phantoms initially but aims to compete for an NHL spot once main training camp begins next week, “”I put on 15 lbs this Summer. Skating feels a lot better…ate so much Jersey Mikes this summer. Just the giant Subs. I’ll eat that for like not even like a meal,” Bonk said yesterday.

Their shared path—from OHL teammates to Flyers prospects—has fostered a close bond, with Barkey noting Bonk’s physical improvements and both joking about their sub-eating routine during camp interviews.Their Drive to Make an Impression at Rookie Camp.

Barkey and Bonk are entering camp with clear goals: demonstrate pro-readiness, build on their junior success, and earn trust from coaches like John Snowden (Phantoms head coach, overseeing rookie camp). Both emphasized consistency and attentiveness in media sessions.

• Barkey’s Mindset: Fully recovered from his ankle injury, Barkey described camp as “another chance to make a good impression,” stressing the importance of showing up daily and absorbing coaching feedback. On the ice during Day 1 (September 11), he appeared sharp and engaged, participating fully in drills and scrimmages. Observers noted his energy and leadership, positioning him as a potential standout among forwards. He’s eager to translate his OHL production to the pro level, where his speed could shine in transition play. Denver credits Dale and Mark Hunter with his growth and preparation. He said the London Knights are a “Very good organization.”
  
• Bonk’s Mindset: Addressing last year’s training camp feedback from former coach John Tortorella on his pace, Bonk looked “a step ahead” on Day 1, paired with defenseman Hunter McDonald. Snowden praised him as “excellent,” highlighting his improved skating and physicality. Bonk’s bulked-up frame was immediately noticeable, with prospects and media commenting on his NHL-ready body. He’s focused on proving he can handle pro minutes on defense, potentially pushing for a Flyers roster battle in main camp.

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