Photo Credit: Zack Hill
The Goaltending problems that have haunted this organization are hopefully a thing of the past. Carter Hart is the franchise netminder, and the Flyers have a promising young netminder in Samuel Ersson waiting in the wings to be Hart’s backup in the near future.
Ersson was masterful in his final season for Brynas, in Sweden, well posting a 2.96 GAA, and a .911 Save Percentage in 42 games. His numbers do not do him Justice, but he was phenomenal for Brynas. He opened some eyes and Ersson is nearing being 100% healthy following his first season in North America, an injury riddled one at that, “I’m feeling good,” Ersson said at Developmental Camp. “I had skated just now and had another skate yesterday. My body’s feeling good, feeling positive, and making the right strides.”
Playing in his first game in seven or eight months, he didn’t know how his body would react. Well, he can put that aside and say his body felt great while making 36 saves and only allowing one goal. For his efforts, Ersson moved laterally from post to post well, and his glove hand was a thing of beauty.
“I’ve been thinking all summer that I wanted to come back making a statement, and show I can overcome adversity.” – Samuel Ersson
The former Vasteras IK product in Ersson was dominate last night. He made save after save, and was in control of the game from puck drop. The Flyers rookies looked rusty and a bit worn down from the game prior, but tonight was Ersson’s night. He would not let them lose this game even if he had to stand on his head, and that’s exactly what he did at times as he skated off happily in the 5-1 Flyers victory.
Ersson continued about what is feeling better specifically, “Just my groins. I would say they are starting to come along. I feel like I can trust them. I’ve done a lot of rehab while I’ve been injured too, so I’m working to strengthen that whole region. I feel like that’s giving positive results and I’m taking that out on the ice.“
“In terms of having fun off the ice. Ersson loves Swedish rap, “ I like to have fun though. I love Swedish Rap- Yung Lean, Mwuana (Laughing)…love it.” – Samuel Ersson said to Jamey Baskow in 2019
He wants to prove that he is a Goaltender that the Flyers can rely on in the future to back up Carter Hart. Of course, more than likely he will start with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the Fall, but hopefully he progresses this season to take over the backup role for the Flyers organization, possibly as early as next season. Yes, he’s that good.
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Olle, Olle, Olle
Olle, Olle, Olle…Olle, Olle, Olle. What a game for Olle Lycksell last night. He needed a good Rookie Camp to solidify his status as an up and coming prospect, and Lycksell did just that. For his efforts he ended the weekend netting two goals, while registering two assists.
Lycksell was physical and he potted the equalizing goal in the second period of the first rookie game that eventually went to overtime. He was really on his game this weekend, so it was great to see him with loads of confidence. Confidence is a big thing for this young man, the more he remains confident the better he will play for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season.
The 23-year-old in Lycksell even got some notice from Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière this weekend, “He had a big smile on his face when he scored that goal,” Laperrière said following the first rookie game. Personally, no one knew what to expect from Lycksell, other than he’s older and a bit more seasoned from some of the Junior prospects. Lycksell played in the AHL, which is arguably the third toughest league in the World to play in.
in the end his seasoning prevailed, and Lycksell really placed himself on the map of up and coming young prospects for the Flyers.
