Photo Credits: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
Tyson Foerster was all smiles this morning at what will be the last Flyers Development Camp of his professional hockey career. This guy did not look at all out of place when he was given the opportunity to play his first NHL games with the Flyers as last season was winding down. Today he looked sharp, poised, and slightly ahead of the pace of things. Tyson’s future is bright and, in my opinion, his future in the NHL may be right around the corner.
M.I.A.
Today was the second day of the Flyers 2023 Development Camp. This year’s roster includes 22 forwards, 13 Defensemen, and 4 goaltenders. Two of the Flyers most promising prospects are not taking part this time around. This year’s #7 first round pick Matvei Michkov and last year’s #5 overall pick Cutter Gauthier will not be attending the camp.
The New Era
The list of young players on the roster included some already familiar names as well as players recently picked up in the 2023 draft. Out of the 39 players attending camp only 5 of them were even born in the 1900s. Players like Elliot Desnoyers, Zayde Wisdom, and Tyson Foerster already feel like staples here in Philly. It’s also neat to see Cole Knuble and AlexanderTertyshny having the opportunity to bring their family names back to the Flyers organization. There also was a Brink, a Bump, and a Bonk. It is really exciting to see these talented players taking their best shot at breaking into the most elite professional ice hockey league on the planet.
This young energetic crew of players is looking to make a good impression on the Flyers coaching and development staff who watched from the balcony above the ice. School is out so there were Flyers Fans of all ages on hand to get a sneak peek at the future of their favorite hockey club. At one point the coaching staff ran a 3 on 3 drill with the nets moved to the side boards creating a very tight playing area. The competition was intense and the exercise was a real crowd pleaser. It was the perfect hot humid July day to spend inside the local ice rink. Camp will go on till Thursday July 6th with all sessions being free and open to the public.
Special Guests
The morning started with skating drills led by Princeton University’s Women’s Ice Hockey coach Cara Morey. Before embarking on her career in coaching Morey won gold as a player with Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team. Also joining the coaching staff for this camp was former Flyers defenseman Samuel Morin. It is one thing to have coaches barking out orders from the safety of the bench. It garners a whole different level of respect to have your coaches showing you by example exactly what they are looking for.
Extra Credit: One player who caught me by surprise was forward Brendan Furry. His energy level and tenacity really stood out in a good way.
