The University of Michigan mens ice hockey team,3-2, victory over Ohio State University team at the Yost Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich., on {monthname {day}, 2020.
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 when describing the type of player he is.
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, “On the ice a smooth skater and someone with good IQ.”
“Rituals I’ll say a quick prayer with some of the other guys on team. Equipment wise I put everything on the same way I have since day 1. Tape my stick the same way. Ill stick handle before warmups as well so i’m ready to go when I hit the ice.”
This 19-year-old, young prospect in York knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2019-20 season. For the season, he has registered five goals, and 11 assists for a total of 16 points in 30 games played. One thing a player cannot plan for is injuries. York unfortunately battled some injuries earlier in the season for Michigan, and quite frankly fought through some of it too. Now he wants to show everyone he’s ready to go, and ready to accomplish big things, “I was fortunate enough to work in Plymouth, MI this offseason with a great group of guys and felt like I got the best training I’ve had in my life,” York said.
“On the ice I’m trying to get better at everything but I worked a lot on my shot this summer,” York continued, I want to win a national championship. Individual statistics don’t really matter to me I just want a ring.”-Cam York
Hopefully, York continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and York can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future. York is expected to sign an ELC with the Flyers at the conclusion of this season, and York finishes the interview with a player who was a big influence to him, “Scott Niedermayer had a big influence on me. He coached me when i was younger and i grew up watching him in California so I look up to him a lot. It’s very difficult (The NCAA) there’s a lot of old heavy guys that don’t like younger guys dancin around em.”
York is too small in size and stature to ever play in the NHL, but he should have a decent college career where he won’t get crushed by big, physical types. He is smaller than Shayne Gostisbehere and we know where that gets you against physical forwards.
Thanks for the read and support Gregg
I have a hole new confidence in Can York as a prospect and a crucial part of our team in future! Because watching Miro Heiskanen, Cale Makar and Quin Hughes dominate in playoffs! And York is similar in size than those guys and can skate really well also, and in case of size issues, he can be paired with Oleksiak type of giant, like Dallas has done with great success! You can get player like Oleksiak for 5th round pick, but game changing defenders like York hopefully becomes is really hard to find!! The game of hockey is changing, and skating ability is crucial for success, and if you do not change with it, then you are sadly left behind!
Thanks for reading and your support is appreciated. York is awesome
In same draft as York, we drafted right shooting defenseman Ronnie Attard, who was double over-aged, and without last seasons injuries, would be real mature and rugged defender with size. And i think was drafted to balance and add the size and physicality to right side, because our left side is more about skill, with Provorov, Sainheim(surprisingly soft for his size) and hopefully York or Zamula. So the same thing as Tampa has done, and fill the right side with rugged defenders, like Myers already is and Attard hopefully becomes, is the balancing act in our GM”s mind! So i expect really big seasons from defenders York, Attard and Zamula and forwards Rattcliffe and O”Brian! It has become a young mans game!
We have as a club to give away a good player or two, in order to move up in the draft, and get our hands on a generational talent in Quinton Byfield. This maybe is just a day dream, but we should put some kind of offer to Kings, who already have a strong prospect pool at center position, and currently owns the second pick!
Right on thanks for reading