The Philadelphia Flyers will host the New York Islanders in their 2019 Rookie Game clash.
Philadelphia Flyers hockey is back! The Flyers rookies will take on a Metropolitan Division foe in the New York Islanders and their set of prospects at the PPL Center in Allentown, which is the home to Philadelphia’s AHL affiliate the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Orange and Black earned a victory over the Isles during last season’s contest and will hope to go for wins in back-to-back years in order to carry a bit of confidence heading into Training Camp and preseason.
2015 Third Round Pick Felix Sandstrom is slated to get the start for the Flyers, while Kirill Ustimenko will back him up and likely receive a bit of playing time as well. Sandstrom and Ustimenko will be playing in their first full seasons in North America, whether it be with the Phantoms or Reading Royals, and solid performances in this matchup could go a long way in securing a spot in the AHL to begin the year. Sandstrom started one game for Lehigh Valley in 2018-19, helping the team obtain a 4-3 victory over the Providence Bruins with a 40 save effort for his first career AHL win.
The Flyers will dress 12 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goalies for the Metro division clash against the Islanders. The roster goes as followed:
"Forwards:24 – Mikhail Vorobyev C48 – Morgan Frost C49 – Joel Farabee RW50 – German Rubtsov C64 – Maksim Sushko RW72 – David Kase C74 – Egor Serdyuk RW75 – Pascal Laberge C76 – Isaac Ratcliffe LW77 – Max Golod LW78 – Matthew Strome LW89 – Mika Cyr LWDefensemen: 5 – Philippe Myers54 – Egor Zamula63 – Mason Millman80 – Robert Michel84 – Sean Comrie85 – Josh Couturier86 – Wyatte WylieGoaltenders:32 – Sandstrom67 – Ustimenko"
Among the players I’m most excited to watch are Frost, Farabee, Rubtsov, Ratcliffe, Myers, and Wylie. The former four will all be in contention for the Flyers open third-line winger position when the main camp opens this Friday and a strong showing tonight would be an excellent way to get off on the right foot. It’s also worth noting that Frost, Farabee, and Ratcliffe are projected to play on the top-line together, which is exciting in its’ own right. I’ll be interested to see if Myers can dominate the competition, as well, while also keeping an eye on if Wylie can earn himself an Entry-Level Contract and a spot in Lehigh Valley for 2019-20.
Puck drop is set for 7 pm EST. The game will be broadcasted on NBC Sports Philadelphia Sports + and Service Electric in Allentown, according to the Flyers press release.