Anaheim, California native Cameron York a defenseman who the Philadelphia Flyers selected back in the ‘19 NHL entry draft with their first-round pick (14th overall) has taken major strides as of late in his development.
The decision to select York did not go over so well at the time with most fans. Not because they doubted his abilities but because the team already had extreme depth in his position and the more preferred choice of the highly talented scorer Cole Caulfield (who was still on the board) was still in play. Not being able to change the past the Philadelphia faithful were forced to except this decision and see if York could prove them wrong.
Cam now determined more than ever to prove his doubters wrong decided to choose the University of Michigan as his next stop on the road to the NHL. A fine choice indeed after having quite the impressive career with the United States National Development Program. One where he averaged over a point per game wearing the red, white, and blue as a defenseman mind you. While in his first year at Michigan York was a half a point per game player who at times showed signs of that talent that the scouts all said he possessed but largely showed that he was human and needed to further hone his craft. In the elongated off season after his freshman year Cam now realized he was mortal and choose to seek further tutelage from Head Coach Mel Pearson and his staff on how he could improve before next season.
Taking what his coach’s said to heart York took to the gym. Working out like a mad man this off season trying to add size, definition, and muscle mass. This he was able to achieve. Now knowing what to expect from playing in the NCAA paired with his newfound love for the gym Cam has taken huge strides in his develop this year while playing for the Wolverines. In just eight short games it has been easy to see how this now just 19-year-old has seemed to improve upon his game from last season. In those games York has scored 2 goals and added 3 assists for 5 points. York has taken it upon himself to take on more of a leadership role while in Ann Arbor; and for that matter these efforts have not gone unnoticed by Coach Pearson in fact he has rewarded Cam with a lot more ice time. York’s quick and decisive decision-making skills set him apart from other players his age. The more ice time he seems to obtain the fewer turnovers and mistakes he seems to make. Cam’s brain seems to act like a sponge absorbing more and more from each game played. His hockey sense is off the charts where he seems to be able to take in tendencies of other players into his long-term memory like a 10-year pro; but this is just one of the many talents that he possesses. Cam also is well versed in the art of moving the puck. He is an extremely mobile defenseman who possesses the ability to pass the puck out of the zone with ease and can now be counted on to fire in a lightning quick shot from the point. His added strength has helped him to adept well to the more physical game of the NCAA ranks and has made him stronger on the puck.
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When the holiday season was approaching York found himself being suddley summoned by Team USA mini camp and than unto Edmonton, Alberta Canada where the boys from the states are currently taking on the best the world has to offer in the World Junior Classic Tournment (WJC). This is where Cam wanted to come in and show his worth on the world stage after a less than impressive showing last season where York wasn’t able to post a single point in the 5 games played in last years tounrment while playing for team USA. What a difference a year makes though, this season York entered Team USA’s Mini Camp with a refinded sense of maturity and determination. This mindset must have impressed because he was named Captain of the team after a vote from piers. York was not only able to impress his piers though, the coaching staff has seemed to take notice as well. In the teams first game against the big red machine (team Russia) York’s name was heard non stop this being possible because team USA’s coaching staff allowed him to play near 22 mintues in the teams first game. (A game where Cam was awarded with the player of the game honors despite his team losing to Team Russia. York (who has been compared to the great American born defenseman Brian Leetch) was also impressive in the teams second game against the Austrians where the red, white and blue came out on top 11-0. Through two games thus far Cam has already achived 1 goal, and 2 assists for 3 points through 2 games played. A 1.5 point per game average for the young Flyers’ prospect thus far, has fans back in Philly suddley rooting for their contraversal first round pick from the ’19 draft. With the tournment just getting underway it looks like York and the rest of the talented USA team will have their work cut out for them but they are definelty up for the challenge.
Who knows just how long it might be before we see this talented young defensemen suiting up for the orange and black but one thing is for certain he definitely has eyes wide open back in Philadelphia waiting to see just what he will do next! LET’S GO TEAM USA!!!
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My man, I appreciate the story and your enthusiasm, but I had a difficult time getting through this article. So many spelling (“except” instead of “accept”; “coach’s” instead of “coaches”) and grammar mistakes triggered my cringe reflex. I want you to do well and succeed, so please have a skilled editor proofread your work before publishing. It would make a world of difference and provide you a path towards more lucrative assignments.