For the past few seasons the Flyers have been inconsistent when it comes to scoring goals. One game they would dominate with a ton of goals, and the next game they would putter. Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall hopes to eradicate this issue in the near future with the likes of Oskar Lindblom, Mike Vecchione, Mikhail Vorobyev, Danick Martel, and of course the one and only Nolan Patrick. Just who remains down on the farm that could help the organization find more consistency with scoring? Meet Center Anthony Salinitri. He states, “I pushed myself hard this season knowing it’s my contract season”
Salinitri was born on March 5, 1998, in Windsor, ON, CAN. The Flyers drafted him in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Draft. Like most kids in Canada, Salinitri started playing hockey at a young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Sarnia Sting in the 2016-17 season. For the season, he registered 28 goals, and 30 assists for a total of 58 points in 66 games played. After a decent season with the Sting, just who is this young prospect?
“I’m one of the more experienced guys here in my fourth season here. I just try to play a leadership role, and the game to the best of my ability. I lead on the ice and off the ice to help the younger guys as they go through the same process as I did growing up.”
The young phenom made quite a statement for the Sting in the 2017-18 season. He enjoyed a pretty solid year by tallying 27 goals, and 31 assists for a total of 58 points in 67 games played. He showed his silky smooth hands, and his skating was much stronger than year’s past. Salinitri was also voted as the third best penalty killer in the OHL for his efforts. So what was behind his successful season?
“I pretty much trained the same. Obviously I pushed myself harder this season, as it’s my contract year. My main focus was to get stronger and faster, but get better mentally, as well.”
Salinitri continues, “My parents played a big role. They played a big in role in juniors and minors, as well. They let me play the game.”
If one has seen Salinitri play the past few seasons for the Sting. One would have noticed the smooth skating Center that looks very composed and relaxed on the ice. Salinitri is a fast, speedy forward that is an excellent penalty killer. Maybe watching Sidney Crosby play has rubbed off on his play.
“I grew up watching Sidney Crosby. He was a role model to me because of the way he played on the ice, and the way he handles himself off the ice. Just kind of learn from him.”
Salinitri has worked tremendously in the off-season to get better. He hopes to fulfill his dream to finally play in the NHL with the Flyers organization. Salinitri maintains his composure for not only his team, but his family, as well. He has listened to the Flyers top brass with the hopes of receiving an entry-level contract.
“This year I’ve adapted to a similar role after speaking with Philly. After having a good conversation with them, with how they wanted me to play.”
Salinitri continues, “I tried to play a lot more physical this year, using my speed to my ability. Keep it simple, but when I get my chance in the offensive zone using my speed to my ability I will take it.”
The Flyers are loading up with talent, and hidden gems that will be the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. Gone are the days where the Flyers were impatient. Salinitri is just another piece to the puzzle that Hextall is building in Flyer land. The young Sarnia Sting product has the will, determination, and grit to hopefully land an ELC. The Flyers have until June 1st to sign Salinitri, or he becomes a free agent. If the orange and black don’t sign him, hopefully another team will.
