Date Published: 1-3-2023
Photo Credit: Zack Hill
The Goaltending problems that have haunted this proud organization are a thing of the past. Carter Hart is the franchise netminder, and Flyers have promising young netminders in Samuel Ersson and Felix Sandström waiting in the wings to be Hart’s backup in the near future.
Ersson was masterful in his final season for Brynas, in Sweden, well posting a 2.96 GAA, and a .911 Save Percentage in 42 games. His numbers do not do him Justice, but he was phenomenal for Brynas. He opened some eyes and Ersson is nearing being 100% healthy following his first season in North America, an injury riddled one at that, “I’m feeling good,” Ersson said at Developmental Camp. “I had skated just now and had another skate yesterday. My body’s feeling good, feeling positive, and making the right strides.”
“It will take a little time,” Ersson said back at training camp. “Still have a ways to go until training camp. I haven’t been on ice for much time, so it will take some time on the ice to get to really get to 100%. I will say these last couple of skates have been positive and I felt better than maybe I thought I would. Just keep on working and getting more reps out on the ice. I’ll get back in no time.”
The former Vasteras IK product in Ersson appears to a confident one after his first four stints in the NHL. He is 3-0, with a 2.90 GAA, and a .905 Save Percentage to start his NHL career. Ersson is agile, and really moving well laterally from post to post. He has a good glove hand, as he snares pucks out of mid air. For his efforts, Ersson has a 2.00 GAA, and a .930 Save Percentage in his last three starts, and he led the Flyers to a sweep of the California road trip for the first time in franchise history.
This was an unlikely role given to him, with the sickness to Felix Sandström, but he is relishing his new role with the Flyers. Ersson is really turning some heads in a good way for the Flyers proud faithful.
“I’m starting to feel more comfortable. It’s the wins that matter. We got the win I’m happy with that.” – Samuel Ersson said following the game against the Anaheim Ducks
Ersson wants to prove that he is a Goaltender that the Flyers can rely on in the future to back up Carter Hart. Of course, more than likely he will head back with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms shortly, due to Felix Sandström not being waivers exempt when Hart comes off the Injured Reserve list, but hopefully he progresses this season to take over the backup role for the Flyers organization possibly as early as next season. Yes, he’s that good.
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Prayers for Damar Hamlin
Regardless of the sport, this young 24-year-old in Hamlin can you use our prayers as he collapsed on the field during a football game against the Cincinnati Bengals last night. As many know he’s still being evaluated at the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Please keep Hamlin and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
