With the upcoming 2017 NHL Draft hopefully providing the Philadelphia Flyers with instant success, there is no need to rush the young prospects that are within the Flyers farm system. In the past the Flyers have rushed the development of Justin Williams, Danius Zubrus, and Patrick Sharp. Gone are those days, as we hope to write a new chapter in Flyers history.
Yes, the Flyers have had trouble scoring the past few seasons. However, with the likes of Connor Bunnaman, Taylor Leier, Oskar Lindblom, German Rubtsov, and potentially either Nico Hischier/Nolan Patrick, help is on the way. Is there another winger down on the farm that could help in the near future? Meet right winger Wade Allison, who hopes one day his physical edge guides him to the Flyers roster.
Allison was born on October 14, 1997, in Myrtle, MB, CAN. He was drafted 52nd overall by the Flyers in the 2016 NHL Draft. Like most kids in Canada, Allison fell in love with the sport of hockey at a young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Tri-City Americans for the 2015-16 season. He was nothing short of phenomenal registering 25 goals, and 22 assists for a total of 47 points in 56 games played. After a great season with Tri-City just who is this young prospect?
“I’m a pretty big physical guy. I’d love to focus more on skating, so that’s what I do in the offseason. A little bit of passing as well (Laughing). I have to get better and faster. My hands are good, my puck handling is good. I just love being physical. I want to run people over.”
The 19-year old prospect committed to Western Michigan University for the start of the 2016-17 season. He enjoyed a great freshman year registering 12 goals, and 17 assists for a total of 29 points in 36 games played. Allison enjoyed the pressure of his first year, and it made him more physical.
“Pressure is good. I need that pressure. I’m a big physical guy, so the pressure is good. My 2 linemates and I are best friends on and off the ice. We feel next year is the year. When I first came in I didn’t know what to expect at first, but now I figured it out.”
Allison continued to state, “I just wanted to do the best I could. I tried to do anything I could to help the team. I’m a physical guy. I just wanted to come in and run people over, and I found myself playing right away. I made the most of my minutes.”
The former Tri-City product, Allison relies heavily on his family to get him through his day. He understands he wouldn’t have made it this far without them. With the help from his family, Allison has developed nicely in the Broncos system.
“My family…I love them to death. My dad has been absolutely great. I couldn’t say anything but nice about him. The sacrifices he made for me to become a hockey player. I ask him questions, and he helps me out a lot. Just for him to take the time out of his day to talk to me I really appreciate it. I’m very thankful.”
The young Broncos product just wants to show people that the Flyers did not make a mistake by drafting him. If a person has seen him play in prior years, then he or she would notice his gifted hands. He can shoot and pass on top of being a physical guy. Allison leaves this unique message to the fans.
“I’m going to do the best I can. I love being a part of this organization. I can skate, and I can get better. I’m a physical guy, I want to run someone over (Laughing). I hope to make it to the big club one day.”
This young talent is an amazing individual. He has a heart of gold, and from what he said in this interview he has not forgotten his roots. This type of selfless attitude will really rub off on Flyers fans. One thing is certain he is on the right path to success in the NHL.
Follow me on Twitter @JameyBaskow for all Flyers updates.
Mandatory Photo Credit: M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via AP Images
