Carter Sotheran reveals he's been dealing with heart condition

The first day of rookie camp is a chance for the players to become acclimated with one another and the coaching staff ahead of the games this weekend.

It also gives fans an up-close look at some of the highly touted prospects the organization has, as well as other names fighting to earn a contract.

One of those players falling under the latter category is Carter Sotheran. Unfortunately for the 2023 fifth-rounder, he was unable to participate in the first day of camp. Sotheran revealed he had a flare-up with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition he has dealt with for the last three or four years.

"I've had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome for close to four years now, three or four years. But I've kind of controlled it, just had a little episode. We're just kind of dealing with it here now."

According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have this condition "have an extra pathway for signals to travel between the heart's upper and lower chambers. This causes a fast heartbeat." It is a fairly rare condition and something that is typically present at birth.

There are multiple tests and treatments that can be done to manage symptoms. Sotheran has been wearing a heart monitor to keep an eye on where his heart rate is. He also takes medication to manage things as well.

"I wear a heart rate (monitor) mostly every time. We have that back in Portland. It's been good, I've kind of got used to it now to control it," Sotheran said. "Just medication for now, it's been held down"

Sotheran is hopeful he will be able to play in one of the two games this weekend. It's all about keeping a "positive attitude" and letting things fall where they may. He's due for a big season with Portland as he works to prove to the Flyers that he is worthy of an entry-level contract

Denver Barkey recovering from illness

Sotheran wasn't the only one absent from practice. Barkey, who has an outside chance of making the NHL roster, has been dealing with an illness that has also kept him out of London Knight preseason work. According to Charlie O'Connor of PHLY, Barkey had a case of mono over the summer.

People with mono typically deal with common flu-like symptoms including extreme fatigue, fever, and body aches. It can also cause the lymph node glands to swell as well. It's harder to determine when he might return. As O'Connor mentions, it's whether or not he feels better during the next few days and if he can get cleared to play.

Barkey's outside chance to make the NHL roster might realistically be more of a long shot. But he certainly impressed the organization with his play during London's season and run to the Memorial Cup Final. While he's likely to miss rookie camp, hopefully, he will be able to join training camp at some point.