Nate Thompson returns, Ronnie Attard to debut for Flyers on Saturday

Nate Thompson has had a few surgeries before his most recent one, so he knew it can be a grueling process to get back. His return from this shoulder surgery was rough and monotonous, but having a positive attitude is the only way you’ll get through it. And being able to return to the Flyers lineup this weekend was the icing on the cake.

The goal for Thompson, from the beginning, was always to find a way to end the season on the ice. He wanted to feel good about himself and play at least a handful of games before the year ended. He last played on November 26th before the injury knocked him out for the next four+ months. The Flyers have 15 games left so the hope is to play in all of them.

The struggles of this team have been fairly evident as the Flyers were officially eliminated from playoff contention with their recent loss to Minnesota. Thompson watched every single game while he was out and felt the team handled themselves well despite everything. Coming to the rink with a positive attitude is one way to do it.

And Thompson certainly had that attitude with his return to a full practice recently.

"“I felt like a hockey player again. It felt good, it’s been a long road. A lot of days skating by myself and shooting on no goalies. So it’s nice to have other human beings on the ice with me. Being able to get in contact, kind of nice being pushed around a little bit. It feels good to be back out there with the guys.”"

As for where he will be when he officially returns, that is still up in the air. Oskar Lindblom was absent from practice on Thursday so the team will wait and see how he feels. Mike Yeo didn’t have any definitive answers as to what his will look like this weekend.

During the practice, Thompson was on the fourth line with Patrick Brown and Zack MacEwen. It’s more than likely that trio will stick together.

Ronnie Attard to debut for Flyers on Saturday

It has been a whirlwind few days for Ronnie Attard. Just a few days ago, he was playing for Western Michigan with a chance to go to the Frozen Four. And now he has an NHL contract and will be debuting for the Flyers this weekend.

By the look on Attard’s face on Thursday afternoon, the craziness of the last few days has been worth it to be in the position he is in now. He’s excited to find his way in the organization and do whatever he can to help the team.

A friendly face in the organization was helpful as Wade Allison and Attard were teammates at Western Michigan. Just being able to have someone to ask questions to, even just about what to pack, was extremely helpful. Noah Cates made his debut recently as well so the two former college rivals have also had conversations about that.

Being able to have a few practices and get to know everyone before making his NHL debut is something Attard is happy about as well.

"”It definitely helps being in the locker room with the guys, getting to meet everyone before game time. So these next few days will be huge for just getting comfortable with the group and I’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”"

As for what he can bring to this team, Attard’s focus is being able to defend hard and get the puck up to his forwards. If there’s an opportunity to jump up on the rush, though, he won’t be afraid to take that moment. Attard has also spent time on the power play during his junior and collegiate career so if the opportunity presents itself here, he’d be happy to be a part of it with the Flyers.

Attard skating on the third pairing with Nick Seeler during practice. Keith Yandle was absent with an illness so his status is currently up in the air for this weekend. Regardless, the Flyers will more than likely easy Attard in. The only question will be about who his partner will be for his debut.