After a smoking hot night for the Philadelphia Flyers and their fans on Friday June 23, 2017, during the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. It would be very, very,very hard to replicate that type of success throughout the the draft, that the second overall draft pick Nolan Patrick will hopefully bring. However, General Manager of the Flyers was looking for a stud winger in Round 2 of the 2017 NHL Draft, and he may have found one by drafting Left Wing Isaac Ratcliffe from the Guelph Storm. Hextall knew the importance of snagging this big winger, so he traded the Flyers 44th, 75th, and pick number 108 to the Arizona Coyotes for their 35th pick.
Ratcliffe was born February 15, 1999, in London, ON, CAN. Like most kids in Canada, he started playing hockey at a young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Guelph Storm in the 2015-16 season. For the season he registered 5 goals, and 8 assists for a total of 13 points in 46 games played.
The young 18 year old prospect worked his tail off in the off-season to improve his game. His hard work paid off in a big way. He enjoyed a career year for the Storm in 2016-17. For the season he tallied 28 goals, and 26 assists for 54 points in 67 games played. This really solidified his status for the upcoming NHL Draft.
The Storm product, Ratcliffe looked really confident in 2016-17. He is a super composed, mature young prospect that feeds off his own energy. Strome stands at 6’6?, 200 pounds, and is a big skilled winger that plays a complete and consistent game. He’s not flashy, but Ratcliffe finds the open man and connects with accuracy.
The Flyers are starving for natural goal scoring left wingers. Ratcliffe may be the answer to their prayers. His passion and dedication to the game could have instant ramifications in the Flyers locker room. One thing is certain the future is bright in Flyer land.
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Image by: Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images
