With the upcoming NHL Draft slated to begin on June 23, 2017, just about every Flyers fan known to man will be glued to their televisions for this event. With the majority of attention focused on the second overall pick, the team can really find some real value in the heart of the Draft. So who remains a potential target in the 4th round of the draft? Meet Right Wing Jonas Rondbjerg. After recently conducting a phone interview with this young, up and coming prospect, it’s no wonder why the Flyers may target him.
Rondbjerg was born on March 31, 1999, in Denmark. He started playing hockey at a young age after watching his brother play the sport from the time he was six years old. Rondbjerg eventually found himself playing for the Rungsted Seier Capital hockey team in 2015-16. He had a solid season scoring 10 goals, and 4 assists for a total of 14 points in 35 games. So how would Rondbjerg characterize himself to people who don’t know him?
“I’m a good skater with good hands. I’m a player who is looking to set up teammates. I have to work on getting my shot better though, but I’m a hardworker who works to get better. My ultimate goal has always been make it to the NHL, so that’s what I’m working towards.”
The prized 18 year old, Rondbjerg enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2016-17, for the Vaxjo Lakers. He registered 9 goals, and 22 assists for a total of 31 points in 42 games played. Even though he had a good season with the Lakers, Rondbjerg believes he can get better.
“I just focus on doing better everyday. So, right now I’m summer training here in Vaxjo, preparing for next season. I can get better. We all go through different things. But I just focus on getting better.”
Rondbjerg looked really confident in 2016-17 for the Vaxjo Lakers. He just looked like a different player, who worked very hard in the 2015-16 off season. The off season even brought Rondbjerg back to his childhood days.
“My brother started playing hockey when I was about 6. I was at the rink all the time watching him, and it ended up with me starting as well. That helped me this past off season.”
The Vaxjo Lakers product, Rondbjerg loves a steak with some type of potato to go along with it. He is a simple guy, who seems determined to take the next step into the NHL. So who helped Rondbjerg along the way?
“Those who have had the most influence must be my fellow coaches when I was younger. But, I think everyone I have played with, teammates, and family all have had influence in some way. The NHL is something I have worked for my whole life.”
This young phenom, Rondbjerg knows he may only get one shot at the NHL. He will not take it for granted, but he has a unique message to the fans of the city that selects him. It really shows what he is all about.
“I may only get one shot, but I wanna win everyday. The fans can expect a player that’s willing to put in the work that has to be done. They can expect a player who will hopefully put up some points. I just want to win.”
The Flyers can you use a lot of help on the wing in the future. Rondbjerg’s attitude, and willingness to win just might be what the doctor ordered for the organization moving forward. If Rondbjerg is still on the draft board when the Flyers pick in the 4th round, one can expect them to take a long hard look at him.
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Mandatory Photo Credit: Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP
