There is a lot of strength at the forward position throughout the Flyers system. With the likes of Joel Farabee, Morgan Frost, German Rubtsov, and NAK looking to crack the lineup for good in the Fall. It may be tough for young prospects like Connor Bunnaman, Pascal Laberge, David Kase, Carsen Twarynski, and Maksim Sushko to get a shot with the big club this Fall. As a matter of fact, Sushko was told this prior to Developmental Camp, “I was told there are no positions with the Flyers this Fall,” Sushko said, “They told me to kick butt with the Phantoms, and they will re-evaluate from there.”
Maksim Sushko was pretty solid in his final season for a renown hockey program in the OHL, the Owen Sound Attack. A program that former Flyer Wayne Simmonds once played for. For the 2018-19 season, he registered 18 goals, and 33 assists for a total of 51 points in 62 games. Talk about one heck of a prospect. He is a right-winger that possesses that scoring touch the Flyers could so desperately use in the future, “I came to a great program in Owen from Belarus, and tried my best,” Sushko said at Flyers Developmental Camp, “I just know where to be, and that comes with experience. Regardless, of where I end up. I am going to work my butt off, and take nothing for granted. I am going to the gym and ice this Summer.”
The former Dinamo-Raubichi product appeared to be calm, cool and collected at Developmental Camp. He had a really solid camp, and some people would have noticed that once they looked past Frost, Rubtsov, and Farabee. “I’m trying to soak this all in now,” Sushko says, “I am used to these camps, but they keep getting better, and I like working with the staff. The Flyers have a great staff here, and I will learn as much as I can. Hopefully, then that will correlate to my game in the Fall. I’m just trying to get on the map here (Laughing).”
Unknown to most Flyers fans, Sushko is very talkative, but he loves his home country. He keeps people on edge but Sushko works his magic on the ice too. Sushko understands his role within the Flyers organization at this particular time, and there is no reason to rush his development, “It’s an honor to play for Belarus. I can’t explain what it means to wear your home countries jersey, but it’s unbelievable.”
Sushko continues, “I will try to learn as much as possible, you know to continue to kick butt (Laughing). I’m a Winger that will continue to work on my shot, and skating. I feel right now my shot is where it needs to be, but I will continue to work on it to make sure it stays there.”
The young Winger was very solid at Flyers Developmental Camp. His speed, size, and the way he carried the puck could be of real use for the Flyers in the future. He is relentless in puck pursuit, and Sushko really thrives on the Power Play. Sushko acts like a magician on the ice when his team is on the Power Play, as he possesses a heavy shot. He does realize he needs to get better in areas, as well. “I have to stop puck watching sometimes. It’s something I will continue to work on, and these camps help in that area for sure.”
Sushko hopes to build off last season and 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 they can remain patient with him. Flyers fans will see him up with the big club in the future, mark my words. He’s just too talented not to be, and Sushko’s size and speed set him apart from other prospects.
Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
