Photo Credit: Zack Hill
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.
Lycksell was physical and he potted the equalizing goal in the second period of the rookie game that eventually went to overtime. He was really on his game tonight, 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 was a sixth round pick (168th overall) of the Flyers back in 2017. Lycksell spent last season with the Vaxjo Lakers of the SHL after playing for Farjestad BK in the SHL, as he played in arguably the third toughest hockey league in the world. He tallied 14 goals, and chipped in 20 assists this past season.
Lycksell is very talented, and he has refined his game in terms of finishing more. Some good qualities Lycksell possesses are skating and shooting. Lycksell has the wheels to succeed in the AHL/NHL, and he does not shy away from shooting the puck nor going to the greasy areas to pot a goal.
He has an arsenal of highlight reel moves and that was on display last night. Lycksell has a shoot first mentality and is a solid addition. Lycksell reminds me of Oskar Lindblom , but Lycksell is a better skater at this stage in his development than Lindblom was. Lycksell has a dynamite wrist shot, and he can really take advantage of this opportunity that he has been given. He is great between the circles, where he has made a living on burning opposing netminders roofing the puck top shelf, thus knocking the water bottles off the top of the net.
Tyson Foerster and Elliot Desnoyers
Foerster fired from everywhere last night, as he fired at least six shots on net. His skating has vastly improved as he continued his confidence from the WJC tournament in the Summer.
Hail Ty, as he fired the game winner off an assist from Desnoyers. Desnoyers won a defensive zone faceoff and Foerster raced up the ice with Adam Ginning creating a 2-on-1 rush, yes Foerster raced up the ice, snapped a shot (Picked his shot) for the game winner. What was impressive was Foerster’s skating, my gosh it’s much better, and as he’s confident he skates solidly.
“That’s my goal, and that’s what I want to do,” Foerster exclaimed that his goal is to make the Flyers outright out of camp.
Desnoyers was all over the ice last night. He was impressive. Desnoyers was strong on the puck, and decisive with his decision making. He skated well, and was heavily involved with rushes, and won key faceoff draws, as well.
Elliot really needed some confidence, especially after a less than expected showing at the WJC Tournament, underwhelming is the proper word. However, even though this is just a rookie game, sometimes it just takes one good game to regain confidence.
Nolan Maier and Jonathan Lemieux
Both netminders played we last night. Maier was quick laterally post to post, as he made 11 saves on 12 shots faced.
Lemieux came in relief of Maier, and he made nine saves, while not lowing a goal. He is trying earn an invite to training camp that begins next week. Remember Lemieux was at Developmental Camp.
Tonight’s rookie game begins at 5pm, and it will be shown on NBCSP+.
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