Photo Credit: Our very own Jamey Baskow
The Flyers first round selection of Luchanko is exactly what the doctor ordered. Other teams had their eyes set on Luchanko, as well, and the main reason is his speed. That part of the game cannot be taught, you either have speed or don’t, “One man Power Play break in,” Oliver Bonk said of Jett Luchanko as Developmental Camp opened. “That’s what we called him in London because they would just sling it back to him, one-against-four, and he would skate it every time. He’s a special player.”
Bonk is very familiar with playing against Luchanko in the OHL. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to be selected by the Flyers. Unbelievable feeling,” said Jett Luchanko. “I’m excited to be a Flyer and glad to be a part of this historic franchise.”
Luchanko had one heck of a World Junior Summer Showcase game against Team USA yesterday. He made some good defensive plays, broke up plays, and made the right plays. He was fast and scored a goal, as well. Luchanko was involved in almost every play, and his speed was on display.
Directly following Flyers Developmental Camp, Luchanko inked his three-year ELC. Luchanko turned 17 on August 21, 2023. He stands at 5’11 and weighs in at 187 pounds. This is somewhat of a raw build for a pro hockey player and gives him a bit of room should he want to add strength this Summer. Luchanko, is a native of London, ON, CAN, and fans could get another opportunity to see him at Training Camp in September, “The way he plays, the way he works. He’s a complete player first of all. He’s very young still,” said Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere. “What he did and how he got better and better as the season went on. We feel that ‘yes, he’s a center.’ We feel he’s just starting to tap his potential. We’re really excited about him.”
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Denver Barkey
“Dale (Dale Hunter), my coach, taught me a lot about the defensive zone. You need to get trust from your coach at the next level,” Barkey said in an interview at Developmental Camp. These were the type of areas and drills the developmental staff honed in on at camp, and this is probably one main reason Barkey stood out at camp. He’s already familiar with a lot of the drills that his coach obviously does throughout the course of the season.
Barkey is a ball of energy and just fun to be around.The sport of hockey is quite unique, it really brings people together. So much so, Barkey loves playing for the London Knights, mainly due to their proud fan base. Barkey had seven short-handed goals last season, which was tied for first in the OHL with fellow teammate Easton Cowan. In addition, Barkey registered a goal and an assist in one of the last games of the season to become part of the 100 point club, yes the 100 point club.
Yesterday, all these skills were on display at the World Junior Summer Showcase. He scored another goal, and was all over the ice. Barkey played well defensively, and that led to a beautiful goal in transition.
Both Luchanko and Barkey have Bright futures ahead of them within the Flyers organization. The Flyers are very high on both players, for good reason. Let’s see how each one progresses again with their respective seasons ahead of them.
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