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Led by several Phantoms from last year and potentially this coming year, the
Philadelphia Flyers triumphed in the annual Rookie
Game over the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a front
of a nice sized turnout at Wells Fargo Center in
Philadelphia.
In the annual kickoff for true hockey action for
both organizations, the Flyers overcame an early
1-0 deficit to strike three times in the middle
period for the victory. Tyler Brown, Blake Kessel
and Tomas Hoka were the young talents to light the
lamp for the Flyers. Brad Phillips and Michael Houser
split the goaltending duties with Houser notching
some fine saves in the closing minutes to preserve
the victory.
Some of last year's Phantoms to see action in the
game included Harry Zolnierczyk, Oliver Lauridsen,
Tyler Hostetter. Zolnierczyk wore the "A"
on his jersey as one of three Alternate Captains
for the Flyers.
Some potential Phantoms players this year who saw
action in the game include two of the goal scorers:
Tyler Brown and Blake Kessel along with Jason Akeson
and Tye McGinn among others. Top Flyers prospects
Sean Courturier and Brayden Schenn also suited up
for the "Baby Flyers."
Brown posted impressive numbers with the Plymouth
Whalers in the OHL last year with 27 goals and 57
points in 67 games and his speed has caught the
attention of Philadelphia General Manager Paul Holmgren
who commented on it to reporters during the week's
Rookie Camp. Brown showed he wasn't all about the
speed at the end of the first period though when
he delivered one of the more impressive hits of
the evening. He followed that up early in the second
period with a nifty cut from the right-wing wall
into the slot maneuvering around the defenders and
shooting it along the ice past the right skate of
the Capitals goalie for Philadelphia's first goal
of the game.
Blake Kessel had assisted on the first goal and
then scored one of his own less than a minute later
pouncing on a rebound. Kessel had just officially
signed with the Flyers organization the day before.
The University of New Hampshire product is the brother
of Toronto Maple Leaf star scorer Phil Kessel who
has 30 or more goals in each of the past three seasons.
18 year old Hoka from the Czech Republuc hustled
to a wide rebound on the right side of the cage
and was able to score from a sharper angle to push
the Flyers out in front 3-1.
Houser surrendered a goal early in the 3rd as the
Capitals made it 3-2 but was able to hold things
steady after that.
A couple other Flyers who looked impressive could
also find their way to Adirondack this season. Tye
McGinn, the younger brother of Jaime McGinn of the
San Jose and Worcester Sharks, had played with the
Phantoms in the preseason last year and had a fine
campaign last season with Gatineau in the Quebec
Major Junior Hockey League. Jason Akeson displayed
some impressive vision which should not surprise
many following a season in which he topped the Ontario
Hockey League with 108 points and 84 assists.
The win gives the Flyers a three games to two lead
all-time in their series of Rookie Games with the
Capitals over the past five seasons. This was the
first Rookie Game to take place at an NHL arena.
The previous four encounters were all held at the
respective teams' practice facility rinks.
Up next for the Flyers rookies they will be joining
all of the NHL guys with the official start of Training
Camp this Saturday. Some of these players as well
as other Phantoms such as Eric Wellwood, Luke Pither,
Mike Testwuide, Ben Holmstrom, Erik Gustafsson and
Zac Rinaldo could all get a chance to shine in some
of Philadelphia's preseason games. The first Flyers
preseason game is Tuesday, September 20 at the Toronto
Maple Leafs. The Flyers play again at home on Wednesday,
September 21 against Toronto.
Mark your calendars! Adirondack Phantoms Opening
Night is coming on Saturday, October 8. The Phantoms
take on the Connecticut Whale to begin the third
season of exciting Phantoms hockey in Glens Falls.
Get great savings and have fun with your friends,
family or co-workers by bringing your group of 15
or more fans to enjoy fast-paced, hard-hitting Phantoms
hockey. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355
and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com
Don't forget the preseason games on Wednesday, September
28 in Saratoga Springs, NY and Saturday, October
1 at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Follow the Phantoms
on twitter @phantomshockey and on facebook.com/adkhockey
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