Ethan Samson was looking to build off his first pro season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He was actually a bit impressive at Flyers Developmental Camp, and it has filtered into the 2024-25 season. One underrated part of his game is his skating, and offensive abilities.
I don’t think enough people talk about the way he skate. Samson transitions well and it really helps his bread and butter, that being the Power Play. He also has an accurate shot from the point, as he has blasted 12 goals on the season. Even so much so, Samson was named PSECU Player of the Week, after becoming just the third Lehigh Valley Phantoms Defenseman in history to net 12 goals or more in a single season.
As stated above, Samson’s offensive game has always been there, but he’s become more defensively responsible. Defense is obviously his position, so it’s good his 200ft game has improved over the course of the year for the Phantoms. The offense has always been there, but when he skates he actually becomes more reliable on the backend, as well. Good for him for working hard with his overall game, as the season progressed with the Phantoms.
A 6’3, 183 pound, Right-Handed Defenseman in Samson was selected by the Flyers on July 23, 2021 in Ethan Samson. He recalls the day well, and for Ethan he will remember this day for the rest of his life, “Getting drafted is something that you dream about as a kid,” Samson said to me in an interview last year. “Both of my parents have done a lot for me, especially in my hockey career, while taking me to practices and everything. Both have equally sacrificed, so it was a good day.”
One thing that stood out to me at Flyers’ Developmental Camp, in regards to Samson, was his leadership. He was talking to many young players, to include new draftee Spencer Gill. Samson was helping out the younger defensemen, and it should come as no one’s surprise but he’s taking part in this camp twice before.
For his efforts, Samson really relished a leadership role with his former club, the Prince George Cougars in the WHL in his final season. It fueled a career year for Samson. It’s not just about goals and assists, it’s about playing well defensively and he’s done that by being physical, with good gap control, while getting bigger and stronger in the process. For his efforts, Samson netted 18 goals and has tallied 42 assists for 60 points in 60 games played.
Ethan is a young man from North Delta, BC, CAN, where hockey has been his blood since he was born practically. He works hard, and that is evident in his first season with the Phantoms, “I think age and confidence are two big factors with the puck,” Samson said in reference to his offensive side of the game last year. “I try not to think about pressure too much, just go out and play the game.”
Samson leads by example, and does whatever is necessary for his team to win the hockey game. He was a bit more physical last season, he just seemed to be play with more of an edge to his game towards the latter part of the season. This season he has been calm, cool, and collect, which has lead to his breakout season.
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This answered a lot of questions I had—thanks!