Alex Bump doesn’t lack any confidence, far from it. Since the Flyers drafted him in the fifth round in 2022, he’s been playing with a chip on his shoulder. He believed he should’ve been taken much higher.
“I definitely don’t think I’m a fifth-rounder, but it is what it is and I can’t do anything about it now,” Bump said recently in an interview with The Athletic (subscription required). “But I definitely don’t think I’m a fifth-rounder. I think it did leave a little chip on my shoulder, just to try to prove to people that passed on me that I can play.”
Bump proved that much after another strong season with Western Michigan. After earning a spot on the NCHC All-Rookie Team after his freshman campaign, Bump added many accolades to his name this year. He was named the NCHC Forward of the Year and earned a spot on the conference's First All-Star and All-Tournament Team. Bump was also named a First Team All-American in the NCAA West.
Western Michigan was the regular-season champion and took home the NCAA championship for the first time. Bump led the way for the Broncos with 23 goals and 47 assists, both career-highs, in 42 games. He had a stamp on everything the Broncos did this season.
Alex Bump shows confidence after Phantoms first playoff game
Playing professionally with the Phantoms, Bump hasn’t missed a beat. After collecting a goal and two assists in two regular season games, he scored twice in the Phantoms' game one victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He and some of the Phantoms' newcomers shone in the 5-2 win.
Jett Luchanko had two assists and was part of a smooth passing play on one of Bump’s goals. The future looked bright on Wednesday night. But more than that, Bump has continued to show that he’s not afraid of anything or anyone. And it’s not just his on-ice play that’s doing the talking. He’s doing plenty of that off it as well.
Bulletin board material?#LVPhantoms F Alex Bump began & ended his media availability after Game 1 taking shots at the #WBSPens defensemen.
— Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) April 24, 2025
"Their D didn't want to play the hard game."
"Like I said, they don't like to defend. Soft defenders, in my opinion."@InsideAHLHockey pic.twitter.com/e4gWmkE97Q
There is nothing wrong with having a little bit of confidence. If you can back up your words, then no one will say a thing. Bump’s comments will most certainly find their way into the Penguins' locker room, and they will try to use that to fuel them. And there’s no doubt that Bump is fully aware of that. But it brings an added level of intensity to a rivalry that has already had fireworks this season.
And it gives the Flyers something they haven’t had in a long time. Looking back, it’s hard to find a player who has shown this much confidence in himself and has been able to back it up with his skill. It would be a welcome sight to a team that is aiming to take the next step toward contention.
Bump’s words aren’t what will get him to the next level. But it doesn’t hurt to have that belief in himself as he makes his way up the ranks. First things first, it’s time to finish off the Penguins on Friday night.