From the famous song of the rock band Kiss,”I wanna rock and all night and party everyday,” well Philadelphia Flyers fans just want to party all season long. This is the most anticipated hockey season in recent memory for Flyers fans.
It’s a feel good story out of Philadelphia with how well the Flyers rebuild has gone. Flyers fans have seen some dark days and some great days. It has taken three years to get to this point with the youth infusion, and finally from the sake of God the Flyers have some cap relief. The youth will be the future of the Flyers for years to come.
There are some big prospects in the pipeline for goaltending. Yes, we have the household names of Anthony Stolarz, Alex Lyon, Carter Hart, and Felix Sandstrom. Just who else is under the radar looking for his chance to shine? Meet goaltending prospect Matej Tomek. I was fortunate enough to speak with Tomek recently, and he can’t wait to fulfill his dream of playing in the NHL.
Tomek was born May 24, 1997, in Bratislava, Slovakia. He was drafted by the Flyers in the 3rd round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Tomek found his love for the sport of hockey to stear away from problems in his childhood. He always wanted to become a goaltender, and this passion led him to the Topeka Roadrunners for the 2014-15 season. Tomek enjoyed a stellar season for the roadrunners by producing a 1.83 GAA, and a .928 Save Percentage in 33 games played. This really solidified his status for the upcoming 2015 NHL Draft, and of course eventually the Flyers drafted him.
“It was a huge honor. It’s a fantastic feat to here my name get called by the Flyers in 2015. I had all my friends and family with me. Just to have them by my side, it meant the world to me. It’s an honor that my hard work and dedication paid off. I will continue to work, but that night it was an honor.”
The young gifted goaltender committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2015-16 season. Of course entering as a freshman at any university throughout the country, it’s unlikely you get any playing time in your first season. Tomek found himself red shirted for his first season at North Dakota after suffering a groin injury. However, Tomek remained prideful and upbeat to keep him going in the sport of hockey.
“I want to continue to get better. I know I have some weaknesses, but I’m just trying to focus on getting better. I’m just prideful to be at this point in my career. I’m still young, and I want to focus on becoming a number one goaltender in the NHL.”
Unfortunately, the 2016-17 season did not go as planned for Tomek. Tomek only managed to play two games for the University of North Dakota, while registering a 3.46 GAA, and a .692 save percentage. This unfortunate circumstance forced him to leave the University, and head back to junior hockey for more playing time. Tomek eventually found a home for the Waterloo Blackhawks for the upcoming 2017-18 season, and he uses people who have helped him along the way for sanity.
“Well I just wanted to become a number one goaltender for the University of North Dakota. Obviously, that didn’t happen. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. I just want to be the player the Flyers thought I was when they drafted me. I won’t stop until hopefully one day I reach the NHL.”
The young goaltender continues, “My parents have sacrificed so much for me. From needing a new stick, and holding off on projects throughout the house. My grandfather on my dad’s side helps too. He took me to all my games from the time I was 8 till I was 12. All these people have been fantastic. Also, Scott Langer my former junior hockey coach helped me into the hockey player I am today.”
Fortunately, the Flyers do not have to rush Tomek’s development. Tomek hopefully will have a rebound season for the Waterloo Blackhawks, and this fresh change of scenery could really benefit his development. This young prospect has the will and the work ethic to succeed at the NHL level. Hopefully Tomek can overcome this adversity with the Blackhawks, and prove to the Flyers that he can succeed as a goaltender. For once though the Flyers have a good crop of young goaltending prospects in the pipeline, and this gives the Flyers organization hope for the future. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP
