A lot of attention for Flyers prospects seems to be centered around Joel Farabee, Morgan Frost, and German Rubtsov, for good reason. However, one prospect that continues to mold himself into a heck of a player is Isaac Ratcliffe. After recently winning a Championship with the Guelph Storm this past season, Ratcliffe wants to continue his winning ways with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, “Honestly, I haven’t given much thought to where I am playing next season, with just winning a Championship and all. What I will say is I want to win wherever I go.”
Ratcliffe was born on February 15, 1999, in London, ON, CAN. He began playing hockey at a young age, and his love for the sport found himself playing for the Guelph Storm for the 2017-18 season. He endured quite a season registering 41 goals, and 27 assists for a total of 68 points in 67 games played. After this breakout season, Ratcliffe really showed he can put the biscuit in the basket.
“I worked hard, very hard. I’m a driven player. On and off the ice I work hard. I wanted to become a big winger that moves well down the ice and could use his body to get to the net. I think I’ve done that well, and I want to show that I’m a scorer, as well.”
The young 20-year-old prospect worked hard in the offseason to improve his game. His hard work paid off in a big way, as he enjoyed a career year for the Guelph Storm in 2018-19, en route to a Championship, as well, with the Storm. For the season, he registered 50 goals, and 32 assists for 82 points in 65 games played. Ratcliffe proved to the world that he is not just a beast with size, as he stands at 6′,6,” and weighs 201 pounds. He proved that he is a goal scorer with a mean wrist shot, “When I began playing hockey, like any kid it was for fun,” Ratcliffe said, “I watched the OHL and NHL hockey, and never thought that one day I could be on the other side of the screen or the other side of the glass playing. Of course, growing up in Canada it’s every young player’s fantasy to grow up playing in the NHL. It’s amazing to think that it may become a reality in my future.”
Ratcliffe enjoys simple things in life like Lasagna and Pasta, it’s this simplicity that is reflected in his game. He has really good hands, and Ratcliffe isn’t a bad skater either. Maybe his best pal in Morgan Frost is giving him tips. The two exchange texts, usually after every game. They have formed a special bond with one another that is quite unique, “I text Morgan after each game,” Ratcliffe said, “We have become friends through all these camps, and playing each other. It’s great, Morgan is a great person, player, and friend. No doubt he will be a good player in the future.”
If you saw Ratcliffe play for the Guelph Storm last season, one would have noticed instantly that his hockey IQ vastly improved from the prior year. He had a knack of knowing where to be, or where his teammates were on the ice at all times. His success may have been fueled by his dedication for the game.
“I am a hard-working player on and off the ice, with my big frame. There are a few parts of my game that I’ll need to keep improving, such as, my skating. But, along with that I think I can bring a strong offensive mindset to the table, along with a full stable, defensive structure as well.”
The Flyers are very much in need of a player that can board battle. Well, Ratcliffe may be the answer to their prayers in the future. He’s a gifted young prospect that has what it takes to be a Flyer. When he does make it to the NHL, Frost will be very happy for his bud, and so will we. Thanks Isaac for all you do.
Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via AP Images
