Photo : Rob Windfelder | Flyers Nitty Gritty
In an era where some say tough guy hockey is for the dinosaurs Hunter McDonald stands up for himself and his teammates. Which is something the Flyers could definitely use right about now.
The team has recalled defenseman Hunter McDonald from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms placing Cam York on injured reserve with an upper body injury.
Hunter McDonald made is debut with the Flyers in the final game of the regular season last Spring against the Montreal Canadiens. The Flyers had clinched their playoff spot the previous night with a shoot-out win over Carolina. McDonald registered and assist and was a +3 in the Flyers 4-2 victory over the Habs.
The 6′-4″ 238 lbs left handed defenseman was chosen 165th overall in the 6th round of the 2022 NHL entry draft. He signed a new two year deal with the Flyers this past summer. This season in Lehigh Valley with the Phantoms McDonald has 1-G, 2-A, and is a +4 in six games played.
Physical Presence
Not labeling McDonald as an enforcer however he is certainly an intimidating physical presence. Big hits, clearing the crease, and winning board battles are all characteristic of his game. He is said to have a “natural mean streak and agitation skills” which can make him quite miserable to play against.
So far this season with players like Garnet Hathaway and Nick Deslauriers no longer on the roster that element has certainly been missing. Some say the style is outdated or throw-back, but watching your talented players get mugged without support is a hard fad to swallow.
Stand Up
Opposing players take advantage of teams that allow it. Recently Porter Martone took a high elbow to the head from Tampa’s Brandon Hagel and nobody said a word. Tyson Foerster was tackled and punched in the head several times by Carolina’s Jordan Martinook. No penalty, no retaliation, no reason not to go for it again when the opportunity arises.
Hunter McDonald has logged 205 penalty minutes over his 153 AHL games with the Phantoms. In his only game as a Flyer he registered 5 hits in 15 minutes of ice time. McDonald is not a casual observer.
The team has been missing the physical capabilities of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen who has been sidelined due to injury. Nick Seeler is another d-man who plays a punishing style while staying within the lines of what is legal, most of the time. Say what you want but it should not be enjoyable to meet up with the Flyers defense in their own zone.
Opponents have been much too comfortable in the Flyers end, moving pucks around easily, and throwing tons of rubber at the net. The Flyers goalies have been standing on their heads and deserve stronger support in the d-zone.
Personally I’ve been waiting for McDonald to get here. Hopefully he makes the most of this opportunity and his skills can keep pace at the NHL level. We’ll soon find out.
About Author
