Theoretically, the NHL training camp should be just around the corner. The tentative start date of January 1st, 2021, was inevitably be delayed. For the fans, it was a date that we were all looking forward to. That might be an understatement for Philadelphia Flyers fans, who only have a miserable football season to feast their eyes on. They aren’t the only ones majorly awaiting the start of the 2020-2021 season; so is Nicolas Aube-Kubel.
Several Philadelphia Flyers players, including Nicolas Aube-Kubel, have been conditioning in Vorhees, NJ, for just under two months. A mix of veterans, sophomore NHLers, and prospects are already preparing for the 2020-2021 start date. Other players are likely working out from home, sticking close to their families.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the sports world throughout every league. It’s part of the reason why the upcoming NHL season has delayed again. Players have found it to be more efficient to stay stateside so they can prepare for the season. It’s why Nicolas Aube-Kubel is working out in Vorhees. Most of his hometown is currently shutdown.
On night one of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the 2020-2021 season would begin on January 1st. That tentative date has driven players to work out with teammates and get ready for the season. Now, players like Nicolas Aube-Kubel are standing by, working out to stay prepared for a confirmed schedule. “If it keeps getting pushed out, I’ll keep getting ready for February or whenever the season starts,” said Aube-Kubel in an article by Sam Carchidi.
Change has been the constant during Nicolas Aube-Kubel’s tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers. Last December, he was called up from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to the Flyers. His tenacity afforded him a recurring role with Philadelphia, earning a spot on the fourth-line. Always adapting has built Aube-Kubel for a crazy state of hockey. He’s controlling what he can to be ready to play during a pandemic.
Just before the round-robin tournament play for the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup playoff seeding, the Philadelphia Flyers’ mantra was “stay ready.” The Flyers have an opportunity to be better than they were in 2019-2020 with the potential additions of Oskar Lindblom and Nolan Patrick. In his role, Aube-Kubel will contribute to a league top-five fourth-line alongside potential running mates Scott Laughton and Michael Raffl. His commitment to his craft is why Alain Vigneault is a huge supporter. Similar to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, the attitude becomes “anytime, anywhere” for Philadelphia.
Photo Credit: Alex Mcintyre
