Felix Sandstrom, or should we give him his nickname of “Felix The Cat,” is primed and ready for his journey with the Flyers. Sandstrom was happy, giddy, and carefree at Flyers Developmental Camp about a month ago. The guy is just ecstatic to get his professional career started. His eyes were like a kid at a candy store throughout his time at this year’s developmental camp.
The former HV71 product appears to be confident, and one could see the jubilation on his face in the locker room following the first practice. “I’m confident in my abilities,” Sandstrom said, “I am ready for the journey ahead, and I do not think I will have a hard time adjusting to the size of the rink.”
Sandstrom continues, “I’ve got to experience Allentown after my playoffs ended. It’s a great city, and they got a great setup up there. So, I’m going to make the most of every opportunity I get either way. I’m just here to play. I’m focused on Training Camp, and where I’m at right now. The SHL was tough, and this should be no different.”
He understands his role within the Flyers organization, and there is no reason to rush his development, “Carter Hart is a good Goaltender (Laughing while giving praise),” Sandstrom said, “I will keep my game simple. I finished the year pretty good this past season, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes.”
The young netminder continues, “I’m coming in to kill it. Should be no different from Sweden. I’m going to work my butt off.”
Felix “The Cat,” Sandstrom needed a bounce-back 2018-19 campaign in a big way. Well, he did just that for HV71 in one of the toughest leagues in the world, the SHL. One year after moving from league to league and not being able to nail down a starting gig for any club. Sandstrom wanted to return to form to show the world what he was capable of. He also battled through a stomach illness that was related to Mononucleosis in 2017-18 (It was previously rumored he was battling an abdominal injury). He stated,“It was in my throat and stomach. I’m much better now, and it was just unfortunate.”
He battled through the 2018-19 season with solid numbers, while only making 19 appearances. Sandstrom finished the season with a 2.16 GAA, and a .911 Save Percentage. Of course, he was a backup to Jonas Gunnarsson, however, Sandstrom managed to regain his confidence. With his bounce-back season, and finally feeling 100%, Sandstrom started to believe again, “It was nice to feel good for the whole year. This gives me some confidence, and I think will transfer to the Phantoms too. I’m just trying to learn as much as possible here at Developmental Camp.”
The young up-and-coming netminder has reflexes like that of a cat. His lateral movements from post to post are smooth, as Sandstrom likes to pounce and gobble up the puck. Sandstrom made one appearance last season for the Phantoms, where he made 40 saves while earning a 4-3 victory over Providence in April. He was impressive in the victory, as he was able to showcase himself in a good way for this coming season.
Sandstrom is finally 100% and he hopes to build off last season to put forth a good 2019-20 season for the Phantoms. Fortunately, the Flyers can allow him time to learn the game the right way, and remain patient with him. Hopefully, Sandstrom adapts to the North American ice well and leads the Phantoms back to the playoffs next season.
Mandatory Credit: Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP
