Photo Credits: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
The Flyers practice facility in Voorhees was packed with Flyers Fans tonight. They were out in force for a final look at the talented group of young ice hockey players who took part in Development Camp 2024. Thirty-nine Flyers prospects were divided into two teams and faced off against each other in a “5 on 5” contest.
Sure, in actuality it was an inter-squad scrimmage but in reality it was much more than that. For these young athletes it was their last chance to make an impression on the the NHL team that invited them. From the opening faceoff the pace and intensity of the match was impressive. This was not a formality or a pointless exercise. It was a very competitive every man for himself type of situation. It didn’t really matter if the orange team or the white team won. What mattered was how each player performed as a member of that team.
The overall takeaway is the fact that the Flyers have a lot of talent in the pipeline. No one stood out as a weak spot. Of course there are different levels all competing at the same time. Some players did seem aware of their place in the pecking order but not because of glaring mistakes. It was apparent that some players were quick to make the safe play before they found themselves in danger. Dishing the puck maybe a little early to faster players with better hands, but that is also the smart play to make.
Enthusiastic Flyers Fans along with the top people in the organization as well as the press got quite a show. There was a bit of everything. The first two periods were played 5 on 5. Then we got to see the ice open up a bit. The third period started out 4 on 4. The second half was played OT style 3 on 3. And the night was capped off with a shoot-out.
Standouts
Every single player on the ice tonight deserves credit just for making it to this point. Every one of them is there for a reason and they have already made it further than most will only dream of. A hat tip to all of them and their families for all the hard work and dedication that made this golden opportunity a possibility. It is not an easy road.
That being said I’m not going to list everyone who impressed or I would just be telling you who was there and not telling you who stood out.
It is easy to see how Jett Luchanko caught the Flyers eye. Many were shocked when the Flyers drafted the 17 year old thirteenth overall at the NHL draft in Vegas last week. Jett makes a strong impression with his speed but there is much more to his game than just his skating ability which is quite impressive. His hands and his head are able to keep up with his feet. He is crafty and makes smart decisions while traveling at an accelerated rate of speed. He sees the ice and his available options really well.
It was hard not to notice Luchanko on the ice. And if you weren’t focusing on him it was only a matter of time before you were like “wow, who’s that”? He’s not the biggest guy out there but he does not shy away from the physicality or the tough situations. He is a talented and exciting hockey player and when he is on the bench you’re already looking forward to his next shift.
Alex Bump totally owned the 3 on 3 portion of the game. J.R. Avon and Alex Ciernik both never seemed to lose energy and always seemed to find the shortest route to the puck. Josh Zakreski a camp invite from Saskatoon made an impression with his tenacity and sheer stick-to-it-ness along the boards. West Chester native and fellow camp invite Jack Page can fly.
It was a great night for everyone involved. On this July day where the thermometer reached 98 degrees the chilly ice rink bought expectations and excitement for the future. Now we settle into the dog days of Summer, …and wait.
