Philadelphia Flyers: Rookie Camp Roundup
By Marc Naples
Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp opens, providing a distraction for fans shielding their eyes from World Cup disappointments
Rookie Camp Opens
It seems that this fall is about the kids. While Philadelphia Flyers Sean Couturier and Shayne Gostisbehere ride the wave of Team North America in the World Cup, the rest of the Flyers’ youth is officially on the ice in south Jersey. The Flyers camp is headlined by top prospects Ivan Provorov and Travis Konency, both now in their second Flyers camp.
Both players talked of being more comfortable this year. “I’m way more comfortable this year than last which was my first year. I know what to expect.,” Provorov said yesterday. Similarly, Konecny added “[T]his year I feel confident coming in here. It’s a different vibe for me. I’m looking to make the team and give it the best shot I can.”
There’s not much more Provorov can do to be ready for camp. He’s already played a few preseason WHL games and found the net there.
Ivan Provorov looks ready to go. He was on fire in the WHL preseason - https://t.co/kzqlgUrLMv pic.twitter.com/aVkTAViWpr
— Ryan Gilbert (@RGilbertSOP) September 19, 2016
No spots on the team will be won by any youngster on the opening days of camp, however. While Provorov and Konecny are the cream of the crop for the Philadelphia Flyers youngsters, both player face uphill climbs to make the team. For in-depth reading on Provorov’s chances of making the team, consider this piece by Bill Meltzer.
The “Old” Rookie
A new face for the Flyers is Russian forward Roman Lyubimov. Signed as a free agent this summer, Lyubimov is trying to make the transition to the NHL from the KHL.
Lyubimov is a 6-year veteran of the KHL, but is still only 24 years old. Lyubimov openly compares his game to Sean Couturier. At 6’2″, Lyubimov is also about the same size and age as Couturier.
Lyubimov is putting everything into transitioning to North American hockey. His wife and infant daughter will be joining him in the United States soon.
For what it’s worth, coach Dave Hakstol thinks everyone is more prepared for Lyubimov’s American arrival than Evgeny Medvedev. Medvedev showed some skills last year with the Flyers, but the situation ultimately didn’t work out.
Related Story: Medvedev Season Review
Lyubimov’s English skills are a still a work in progress, but he was able to enjoy lunch in Russian on Monday with Ivan Provorov and Radel Fazleev. Depending on how training camp plays out, Lyubimov may be a bottom-6 player on the Flyers, or be sent down to the AHL Phantoms.
Rookie Game Tonight
The Philadelphia Flyers rookies will take on the New York Islanders rookies today at 6pm. Hakstol will be an eye in the sky for the game, while ex-Flyers Riley Cote and Kerry Huffman will be behind the bench. Here’s the projected lineup:
Moar Youth!
If that’s still not enough young hockey players for you or you can’t get up to Long Island for the Flyers rookie game, there’s another game closer to home. The best of USA Hockey eligible for the upcoming 2017 NHL draft will play the annual All-American Prospects game Thursday night at the Wells Fargo center.
The teams will be coached by Flyers legends Mark Howe and John LeClair. On the ice, former-Flyer Keith Primeau’s son Cayden will take part.