A day after inking Noah Cates to an entry-level contract, the Flyers seem to have done the same with another one of their collegiate prospects. While the team hasn’t made it official, Ronnie Attard looks like he is on his way to Philadelphia very soon.
The former Bronco defenseman took to social media to express his gratitude to his team and shared his excitement for his next steps with the Flyers.
Attard is coming off a career season at Western Michigan University. The junior defenseman posted 13 goals and 36 points in 39 games. He led all Broncos defensemen in goals and points while he was second in assists. Among all teammates, he was third in all offensive categories. Attard has taken huge steps in his development since the Flyers drafted him with their third round pick in 2019.
Entering the draft, Attard was coming off his third season with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. As the captain, Attard had 30 goals and 64 points in 48 games. He took home a slew of awards that season as he was named the USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year. He was the USHL Defenseman and Player of the Year as well as having the most goals and points by a defenseman in the USHL.
In his first season at Michigan, Attard would be named to the NCHC All Rookie Team. He followed that up as the Best Offensive Defenseman in the NCHC during his sophomore season.
During his three year collegiate career, Attard posted 27 goals and 72 points in 94 career games. He helped lead the Broncos to the Elite Eight and almost was a part of them getting into the Frozen Four. He nearly tied the game against the University of Minnesota at the midway point of regulation. The goal ended up being called offsides as Michigan fell 3-0. It was the first time they had reached the semi-finals in the school’s history.
It is yet to be seen when Attard will join the team and if he will he coming directly to the Flyers. There were rumors earlier in the day that he would be joining the NHL squad for the rest of the year. But we’ll have to wait for the team to make the signing official. But Attard looks ready to begin his professional career either way.