Flyers’ prospect Oliver Bonk is scheduled to make his professional debut tonight, December 6, 2025, with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL) against the Utica Comets at PPL Center in Allentown, PA. The puck drops at 7:05 PM ET.
This marks his first pro game after signing his entry-level contract and overcoming an upper-body injury that sidelined him since Training Camp.
- Position and Background: 20-year-old right-shot defenseman, drafted 22nd overall by the Flyers in 2023. Son of former NHL’er Radek Bonk.
- Junior Career Highlights: Spent three seasons with the London Knights (OHL), posting 45 goals and 102 assists in 179 regular-season games. Key contributor to back-to-back OHL championships (2023, 2024) and the 2025 Memorial Cup win. Named OHL First All-Star Team in 2023-24 with 24 goals and 43 assists in 60 games.
- International Play: Represented Canada at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships.
- Pro Outlook: A two-way defender (6’2, 210 lbs) praised for his hockey IQ, positioning, and power-play skills. Flyers view him as a potential top-four NHL blueliner.
Recent Injury and Return
Bonk suffered an upper-body injury early in rookie camp, missing all of Training Camp and the Pre-Season. He resumed skating with the Flyers on November 17, 2025, and was activated from injured reserve on December 2, 2025, before being assigned to the Phantoms. Bonk was eligible to debut as early as December 5 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, but was held out for one more practice to ensure full readiness.
- Opponent: Utica Comets (4-12-2-1, last place in the North Division
- Phantoms’ Record: 11-7-1-2 (Third Place in Atlantic).
- Broadcast: Stream on AHLTV; radio on Phantoms365 app.
- What to Watch: Bonk likely pairs with a veteran like Ethan Samson. Expect him to see time on the penalty kill and second Power Play unit, leveraging his OHL success (17 power-play points as a rookie).
Flyers fans have been eager for this milestone, especially after Bonk’s chemistry with prospects like Denver Barkey (also with the Phantoms) during juniors. His NHL path looks promising—scouts project a call-up by 2026-27 if he adapts quickly. If the game unfolds as expected, it’ll be a strong first step in his pro journey.
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