VOORHEES, NJ - AUGUST 28: Ethan Samson of the Philadelphia Flyers poses for his official headshot for the 2021-2022 season on August 28, 2021 at the Virtua Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Photo Credit: Len Redkoles/Getty Images
Things happen for a reason, and good things come to those who wait. For a Right-Handed Defenseman, Ethan Samson, good things come to those on the final day of 2022. Ethan was signed by the Flyers to an entry-level-contract (ELC), and it’s slide eligible.
Some fans don’t want to hear this, but this team will not be gutted from the top-down. That i
A 6’3, 183 pound, Right-Handed Defenseman was selected by the Flyers on a bright sunny day in Philadelphia on July 23, 2021 in Ethan Samson. He recalls the day well, and for Ethan he will remember this day for the rest of his life, “Getting drafted is something that you dream about as a kid,” Samson said to me in an interview earlier in the year. “Both of my parents have done a lot for me, especially in my hockey career, while taking me to practices and everything. Both have equally sacrificed, so it was a good day.”
For his efforts, Samson has really turned some heads in the WHL this season for the Prince George Cougars. So much so, he was invited to a well stocked Team Canada camp for the WJC Tournament that is currently underway. Samson, 18-years-old relishes a leadership role with this club, and it is fueling another career year for Samson. He was named as the 28th Captain in Cougars franchise history this season. Good news, there is still a large chunk of the season left. It’s not just about goals and assists, it’s about playing well defensively and he’s done that by being physical, with good gap control, while getting bigger and stronger in the process. For his efforts, Samson has netted nine goals and has tallied 15 assists for 24 points in 27 games played.
Today he will play in his 200th game for the Cougars, as he becomes the 41st player in their history to reach this feat, most notably Dan Hamhuis and Blair Betts.
Ethan is a young man from North Delta, BC, CAN, where hockey has been his blood since he was born practically. He works hard, and that is evident in his third season with the Cougars, “That was a big part of my game when I was younger and I’m finding it now more Juniors,” Samson said in reference to his offensive side of the game. “I think age and confidence are two big factors with the puck. I try not to think about pressure too much, just go out and play the game.”
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Let’s not forget the sacrifices and dedication that Ethan’s mother and father have had, so Ethan could eventually fulfill his dream of possibly playing in the NHL one day.
JvR, Braun, and Hayes will play
John Tortorella: “James is playing, Brauner is playing, Kevin is playing. 11F/7D, Lycksell and Bellows are out.”
James van Riemsdyk, Justin Braun, and Kevin Hayes will play tonight against the New York Rangers, and will not be benched for asset protection with the upcoming trade deadline looming on Friday.
