Photo Credit: Ethan Samson Twitter (@Ethansamson77)
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 in the Winter. “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 is really turning heads for the Prince George Cougars. Samson, 18-years-old, has relished a leadership role with this club, and it has fueled a career year for Samson. 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 netted 15 goals and has tallied 28 assists for 43 points in 68 games played.
Samson plays for two familiar faces within the Flyers organization in Mark Lamb (General Manager/Head Coach) and Jason Smith (Associate Coach). Mark Grieg a scout for the Flyers was very high on Samson at the draft:
“His frame’s going to still fill out as he’s an August birthday. He’s got some room to develop. Right-hand shot and for a D-man it’s always an asset as we find them harder to find. I think he’s got a lot of development left; he’s going to play on a good team in P.G. and for a good coach. He’s got upside.” – Mark Greig
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.
A young man in Samson was born on August 23, 2003. He leads by example, and does whatever is necessary for his team to win the hockey game. Samson is a bit more physical this season, he just seems to be playing with more of an edge this season. Sometimes this happens when a young highly touted prospect gets drafted:
“You want to win, sucks losing.” – Ethan Samson
This young, transformed defenseman in Samson, as previously stated has always had the tools to be an offensive defenseman, but this year he really has worked on the defensive side of the puck. He really has established himself as a quality puck moving defenseman, as he has become much better in transition. Moreover, Samson is able to exit the defensive zone cleanly, whether its by pushing the play up the ice, or looking for a quick pass to exit the defensive zone. Breakouts are exactly what the Flyers have trouble with on a nightly basis, so it’s good to see a prospect in the Flyers system do this on a regular basis.
Samson has really showed his range by playing in any situation the coaching staff asks of him this season, to include the power play. His skating has appeared to be smoother than in prior years, as he just is playing much much calmness and poise for an 18-year-old, “Alex Pietrangelo is a good two-way defenseman, and he is a good shutdown Dman,” Samson said on who he molds his game after. “I have to try to work the way I can, and prove myself.” Samson is hoping to earn an ELC (Entry-Level-Contract) with the Flyers organization at some point, and he has until June 1, 2023 to do just that. At this rate he appears to be a hidden gem that was discovered in the 6th round like fellow Flyers prospect Tanner Laczynski was.
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