It was a scene of happiness as Cole Caulfield was still on the board, but out came Commissioner Gary Bettman to announce a trade, “The Philadelphia Flyers have traded the 11th pick to the Arizona Coyotes, for the 14th pick and the 45th pick of this year’s draft.” You could hear a pin drop, it was like a Mic drop. However, Chuck Fletcher then said, “With the 14th pick of the 2019 draft the Philadelphia Flyers select Cam York.” To hear the Flyers fans go crazy with “Let’s Go Flyers” chants in Vancouver, it really sends chills down your spine. The proud orange-clad Philly fans didn’t disappoint, so now we can let the dance party begin.
The Flyers shocked some with the pick of York from the USNTDP Junior Team in the USHL with their 14th pick. They needed to recoup their Defensive system, and this was one way to do it. There was weeks of speculation over who the Flyers would take with the 11th pick, in particular, all that changed after the trade with the Coyotes. It was either going to be Peyton Krebs, Cam York, Alex Newhook, or Cole Caulfield. Moreover, the Flyers faithful started hearing the possibility of the orange and black trading the pick for an immediate NHL player. This led to a ton of trade speculation, with rumors swirling left and right. We can finally put that all to rest now, and here’s to a new era of Flyers hockey.
York was born on January 5, 2001, in Anaheim Hills, CA. He started ice skating at a young age and instantly fell in love with the sport of hockey. York eventually found his groove playing for the USNTDP Junior Team in the USHL in 2018-19. He enjoyed a stellar season by amassing 7 goals, and 26 assists for a total of 33 points in 28 games played. York instantly proved he would be a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, York had a great WJC U18 tournament in 2018-19 for the Team USA, where he registered 4 goals, and 7 assists in 7 games played.
The young, slick LHD is great in the Defensive zone. He plays in all situations the coaching staff asks of him, and York plays with an aggressive edge. Moreover, this slickster in York transitions well out of the zone, and his skating is pretty solid. York’s vision really ranks off the charts, and his passing is just crisp, tape to tape. This pick in York is a high valued one, and one that will pay huge dividends in the future. He really reminds of Brian Leetch, York is that talented. York has committed to the University of Michigan starting next season.
Hopefully, the Flyers will benefit from a puck moving Defenseman in York. This selection is a great start to the draft for the Flyers, who are apparently in a “Win-Now,” mode according to Fletcher. The proud orange-clad fans deserve this selection. They have supported the Flyers through the thick and thin, and it’s time the fans start reaping some of the benefits. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Mandatory Credit: Photo courtesy of Rena Laverty
