Photo Credit: NHL.com
It’s never too early to start talking about the NHL Draft, and there will be many questions facing this young orange and black team come July. Some questions range from are they going to move up or back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as Right-Handed Defenseman or a goal scorer? These are some very valid questions that people have, as the Flyers are in desperate need of top-end talent.
Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher has put together three solid drafts as he now spear heads an organization that is littered with positional needs. With that being said, there’s a flashy, lightning rod Center/Winger that might catch the eye of Fletcher with their first round pick, and that is no other than a natural goal scorer in Logan Cooley, “It’s getting closer, it’s something you dream about being a little kid and playing hockey,” Logan Cooley said to me about the NHL Draft. “But my main focus right now is on [IIHF Under-18] Worlds and continuing to get stronger and get better. But it’s always in the back of your mind and me and my family are pretty excited for it.”
“Growing up, I didn’t know too much about the NTDP or anything else, I just loved hockey. I loved watching the NHL. So just being a little kid, I always dreamed about playing in the NHL.” – Logan Cooley said to Jamey Baskow
This 17-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for what turned out to be a very good 2021-22 season to say the least for him, as he potted 17 bullets in the net, “I’m a good guy, on and off the ice,” Cooley said. “A guy that likes to win. I feel like I’m an exciting player to watch, I like to do some pretty cool things on the ice. I want to be a fun player to watch and a fan favorite.”
Cooley has committed to the University of Minnesota in the Fall with current Flyers prospect in Bryce Brodzinski. It’s a great hockey school, and it may suit his laid back nature, “Off the ice, I’m a pretty laid-back person,” Cooley said. “But on the ice, I’m a guy that plays the game hard. I like to have fun. I like being a well-grounded player and somebody who just loves to play the game.”
The USNTDP product, Cooley just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and blazing speed. He knows he has to work on decision making, but what Cooley possesses is a high hockey IQ, to pair with his elite scoring abilities, “I was a big Washington Capitals fan,” Cooley said while he was growing up. “I liked Alex Ovechkin, just the way he played the game and scored a lot of goals. I liked his celebrations a lot, too. Just the way he loves the game, he made me want to do what he does.” However, Cooley thanks his family, and in particular his brother Eric for getting him where he is today in this sport:
“Definitely my family, but more specifically, my brother, Eric. He played at Ohio State this past year. We always work really hard together, we always push each other in the weight room and on the ice. There’s a lot of people who have contributed to my success, but I’d say he’s the main guy.” – Logan Cooley
Hopefully, Cooley continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, as Cooley appears to have a good head on his shoulders. He is slated to get selected anywhere’s from the top overall pick to as low as fifth overall. This would be the best time for the orange and black to select a speedster that has natural scoring abilities with their first round selection.
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