Chuck Fletcher did a great job at the 2019 NHL Draft with drafting for the future, with the looming expansion draft on his mind. Enter the 14th overall pick in a Left-Handed Defenseman in Cam York that stands at 5’11, and weighs 180 pounds (Although he’s listed at 175). York was regarded by some as the second best defensive prospect in the draft behind Bowen Byram.
In year’s past the Flyers relied heavily on Head Scout Chris Pryor, and the drafting guru in Ron Hextall for overall success during the draft. Gone are those days, as the Flyers had a new chief in charge of the draft, newly crowned General Manager Chuck Fletcher.
York was born on January 5, 2001, in Anaheim Hills, CA. Many wouldn’t think California would be known as a hockey area, however, York found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for the USNTDP in the USHL for the 2018-19 season. At the young age of 18, he registered 7 goals, and 26 assists for a total of 33 points in 28 games played, “A smooth skating 200 ft defencemen that makes the players around him better,” York told me in September when describing the type of player he is.
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York is a good skater, has a good keen hockey sense, as he anticipates plays well. His vision compliments his reads off forechecks, which allows for a crisp tape to tape pass. Michigan Hockey is no joke, they play against some of the best 24 and 25-year-old players, and against stiff competition.
The California native in York, utilizes his speed well, and does well to create gaps in both the defensive and offensive zones. He has a quick release, which keeps goalies guessing, and his passing ability ranks off the charts. Simply put, Fletcher found a replacement in the future if the Flyers lose a defenseman to the expansion draft, following the 2020-21 season.
“I feel like I’m very hardworking and determined as a player,” York said to me in September, “On the ice a smooth skater and someone with good IQ.”
For his efforts, York has been named Team Captain of Team USA for the WJC ahead of their first game tomorrow night against Russia at 730 pm EST. York is just a good quarterback of the top Power Play Unit, and this is an honor that he will cherish did the rest of his life.
