VOORHEES, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: David Kase of the Philadelphia Flyers poses for his official headshot for the 2018-2019 season on September 13, 2018 at the Virtua Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Nobody knew what to expect from forward David Kase in just his first season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season. While previously playing for Mora IK in the SHL, David appeared to have the same skill set as his brother Ondrej Kase who currently plays for the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL. Through his first four games of Professional hockey in North America, David Kase flashed his skills by potting two goals and two assists. He was as speedy as they come, and Kase knows when to turn on the jets.
Kase played on the top line at times last season, as well as, saw time on the top powerplay unit. It appeared to pay off in a tremendous way for him, and the Phantoms. Asides from his nagging injuries, this young man possesses the skills needed to succeed in the NHL. He’s a speed machine, and Kase also possesses a nasty wrist shot to go along with his good hockey IQ. Simply put, don’t overlook this prospect as he has received the call of a lifetime in joining the Flyers.
This young man in Kase was born on January 28, 1997, in Kadan, Czech Republic. He was drafted by the Flyers in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Kase stated to me in a prior interview that he when he was younger he used to watch his idol Pavel Datsyuk play on a daily basis for the Detroit Red Wings. Well, if he continues to play the game the right way, then Kase will have a very successful NHL career.
It appears Kase has gotten faster while playing for the Phantoms. I don’t recall him with this level of speed, while playing for the Phantoms last season. Kase looks calm, cool, and composed, which is great for maturity. For the season, Kase has registered three goals, and three assists in 21 games played. He has been the gritty player the Phantoms hoped he would be.
While standing at 5’11,” some people have said Kase would have a tough time in the NHL, mainly due to his size and height. However, Danny Briere had a great career, while standing at 5’9” tall. Anything is possible and with his wheels and skill, Kase could become very successful in the NHL. His vision of the ice is off the charts, and just his overall hockey IQ is stronger than most prospects his age, “He’s a guy that can create offense, and that’s what we definitely need,” Head Coach Kerry Huffman stated to me last season.
This is a chance if a lifetime for Kase, and one that was earned. Kase is not the same player as Travis Konecny, but he does have the speed that Konecny uses to his advantage. For Kase, the time is now, and hopefully he can stick out to Alain Vigneault in a positive way.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
