Photo Credit: Chris Maher
“Unfortunately, it’s part of the game,” New Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière said in regards to Wade Allison’s unfortunate injury following the Flyers second rookie game. “Injuries are part of the game, especially when you play that style of hockey.” About a month ago it was revealed that Allison indeed suffered a right high ankle sprain, and he would miss 6-8 weeks because of such. What this does it opened the door for other players who are chomping at the bit to get a shot, such as a 26-year-old in Max Willman, whom the Flyers signed last year to a two-year contract that begins this season.
This opening night has a feeling of the next up mentality for the Flyers already with Wade Allison, Tanner Laczynski, and Rasmus Ristolainen all out with injuries, moreover, Patrick Brown is in Covid protocol for obvious reasons. Zack MacEwen, a recent waiver wire addition is also having Visa issues. Low and behold Max Willman, a highly skilled player that played for Brown University and Boston University in the NCAA will be making his NHL debut tonight, opening night.
“We love his speed, and love his energy,” Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault on Max Willman
Following his completion of college, Willman found himself playing for the Reading Royals in 2019-20, a season in which he tallied nine goals, and 16 assists in 20 games played. Willman made quite the impression on the Flyers and Phantoms top brass that he even played with Phantoms as well, tallying three goals and six assists in 24 games played before the season was halted due to the Coronavirus
The 26-year-old in Willman earned an AHL contract for the 2020-21 season with the Phantoms, and he even maximize at the past two training camps with the Flyers. For those that don’t remember, Willman has tallied the first goal of scrimmages during the past two training camps, and he tallied nine goals and seven assists in 30 games played for the Phantoms last season.
The Skinny on Willman
Willman has very good puck skills, and has great lateral mobility and edging. He can make plays at high tempo, and he may not be be the fastest skater but he skates well. Willman clocks in at 6’0 and weighs 183 pounds. Of course, like most prospects he needs to get bigger and stronger, and could always improve their skating abilities. Willman has a heavy shot, and is dead accurate when he shoots. He can pick apart the net with the best of them.
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With injuries starting to pile up for the Flyers. The Flyers are lucky to have a depth player like Willman. Willman is an underrated prospect on the Phantoms. He put forth an excellent training camp with the big club, and now it’s his time to shine.
