As many Flyers fans know, the team has an affiliation with the ECHL’s Reading Royals. That affiliation just helped the Lehigh Valley Phantoms make a very nice addition to their team, with adding former Reading Royals Forward Ralph Cuddemi. Cuddemi immediately hit the ground running with the Royals after playing for the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder (Edmonton Oilers affiliate) last season. In 25 games played for the Royals this season, Cuddemi was over a points per game player. He had 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 total points. So it’s safe to say he was earning a bump to the next level.
What is great about Cuddemi is he has already seen some limited AHL time from earning a tryout with the Laval Rockets (Canadiens affiliate) last year. In 11 games for Laval, Cuddemi produced five points. He was also disciplined in those 11 games only taking one minor penalty. Cuddemi played well with Laval, earning him a spot for the rest of the shortened season. Now he comes back to the area to produce at the AHL level again, but this time for our local Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Congratulations to Cuddemi who comes into a talented Phantoms lineup full of forwards already. So he has his work cut out for him, but that does not seem to be a problem for him. He plays a good game and also plays a disciplined skilled game. Cuddemi is a player who can certainly flourish at the next level in the AHL. Do not be surprised to be hear his name as someone playing very well in camp, and preseason. For that matter he could earn a right to make the Phantoms whenever that may or could hopefully be. Cuddemi is experienced at the age of 27, playing four years in the ECHL and in the AHL. He now looks to carry that play on up to Lehigh Valley for our beloved Phantoms. Keep an eye out for his name Phantoms fans. Remember everyone develops at different rates, and Cuddemi is looking like a possibly very solid late bloomer. What a huge honor it is for him to make it to the next level. Congratulations and good luck with the Phantoms Ralph Cuddemi.
