Felix Sandstrom, or should we give him his nickname of “Felix The Cat,” was primed and ready for his journey with the Flyers at last year’s developmental camp. Sandstrom was happy, giddy, and carefree at Flyers on the first day of camp as I remember. The guy was just ecstatic to get his professional career started. His eyes were like a kid at a candy store throughout his time at developmental camp.
The former HV71 product appeared to be confident, and one could see the jubilation on his face in the locker room following his first practice, “I’m confident in my abilities,” Sandstrom said,“I am ready for the journey ahead, and I do not think I will have a hard time adjusting to the size of the rink.”
Sandstrom continued, “I’ve got to experience Allentown after my playoffs ended. It’s a great city, and they got a great setup up there. So, I’m going to make the most of every opportunity I get either way. I’m just here to play. I’m focused on Training Camp, and where I’m at right now. The SHL was tough, and this should be no different.”
He understood his role within the Flyers organization, and there was no reason to rush his development, “Carter Hart is a good Goaltender (Laughing while giving praise),” Sandstrom said,“I will keep my game simple. I finished the year pretty good this past season, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes.”
The young netminder continued, “I’m coming in to kill it. Should be no different from Sweden. I’m going to work my butt off.”
Fast forward to the 2019-20 season with the Reading Royals. For about half the season it was anything but blissful. Felix “The Cat,” Sandstrom was outplayed by fellow rookie Pro Kirill Ustimenko, thus Ustimenko was promoted to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for a few weeks before the Coronavirus halted the AHL season. This was going to be permanent, as Flyers’ General Manager traded J.F.Berube to the New York Rangers, this opening a spot on a full-time basis for Ustimenko.
Sandstrom appeared to have a bit of a hard time adjusting to the North American rink size, and had trouble with his confidence throughout the first half of his first Pro season. He did see time with the Phantoms, as he was called up multiple times, due to Alex Lyon getting nods with the big club. Sandstrom rode the bench, while Ustimenko started for the Royals. He finished the season with a 13-11-1 record, with a 3.27 GAA, a .885 Save Percentage, and two shutouts. Sandstrom managed to win what would be the final game of the season in a 5-1 victory against the Wheeling Nailers on March 10, 2020, however, he only managed to play in one of the last five games of the season, as fellow teammate and netminder Tom McCollum got red-hot. Sandstrom also played in one game for the Phantoms, actually just 19 minutes in one of his multiple call-ups to the Phantoms, and he made seven saves on seven shots faced.
The young netminder in Sandstrom just didn’t seem to move laterally post to post as smooth as I have seen in the past. In addition, he had a hard time tracking the puck, but he proved that he was finally 100% healthy. Sandstrom also may have struggled with the call-ups to the Phantoms. Getting into a rhythm is huge for a Goaltender, and Sandstrom may have had a hard time readjusting to the ECHL.
He hopes to build off last season to hopefully put forth a good 2020-21 season for the Phantoms or Royals. If I’m a betting man I could see Sandstrom starting out the season with the Royals, and then possibly getting a call-up to the Phantoms for good. Fletcher may not want to start the season off with two young netminders with the Phantoms, as Lyon may leave for free agency. Fortunately, the Flyers can allow him time to learn the game the right way, and remain patient with him. Do not give up on this promising netminder Flyers fans, Sandstrom may blow the doors off camp, and the season next year. Every prospect is different in terms of how they grow, netminders usually take a bit more time than Forwards or Defensemen to bloom. Let’s have patience, and see how it goes.
Jamey, good job on Felix Sandstrom. He has been flying under the radar for some time as a highly regarded goaltender because of the group Ron Hextall put together with some great drafting and the fact that Carter Hart gets so much attention, all deserved of course. Sandstrom has a nice resume’ in his young career. He has always looked great at the Flyer’s development camp and over time, he should only get better. -Gregg L