The 2023 Flyers Rookie Camp began on September 14th, signifying the time of the year when young prospects showcase their development and combat in two rookie games. Again, the opponents for those scheduled rookie games are the New York Rangers. Tonight was the first opportunity for young prospects fighting for a place with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms or Philadelphia Flyers to make waves.
One favorite, likely to make the Flyers roster, is Tyson Foerster. He made an impression during his eight-game stint in the NHL, notching seven points (3G, 4A). In Lehigh Valley, he led the team in scoring with 48 points (20G, 28A). Foerster represented the Phantoms in the AHL All-Star Game.
Elliot Desnoyers, an upcoming two-way center, led the Phantoms in goals scored (23) in his first AHL season. Bobby Brink is another skater to keep tabs on, Ian Laperriere suggests. Additionally, Laperriere noted he expects Emil Andrae to impress between the 2023 Flyers Rookie Camp and Training Camp.
Flyers Rookie Game 1: Lineup
Gendron-Desnoyers-Foerster
Furry-Barkey-Brink
Brown-Fauchon-Tuomaala
Ciernik-Gaucher-Wisdom
Ginning-Bonk
Zmolek-Samson
Millman-Sotheran
Maier
(Bjarnason)
Game Recap
Foerster was present in the first Flyers scoring opportunity of the game. Oliver Bonk set up Foerster in the left slot, but Dylan Garand made a superb save on the one-timer. Brendan Furry possessed the puck along the goal-line extended, finding Bonk as he entered the zone.
Nolan Maier flashed his glove in the first period a couple of times and denied a wrap-around attempt, making 12 saves in the first period.
Matt Brown gave the Flyers a first-period lead, 1-0, with a minute left. Denver Barkey helped extend the possession, winning a board battle in the offensive zone. Brown kept in motion along the center, around the blue line, dishing the puck to Brink. Brink shot as Barkey attempted to deflect, screening Garand. The sequence began and finished with Brown, who scored on a rebound.
The Rangers quickly tied the game in the second period. Desnoyers served in the penalty box, and Karl Henriksson converted the powerplay, potting the equalizer, 1-1, with 19:19 remaining. Henriksson meant to pass, but the fluke puck deflected into the air and sailed over Maier.
Four minutes later, with 15:05 remaining in the second, the Rangers took the lead, 2-1. Bonk couldn’t help clear the puck deep in the defensive zone, and Dylan Roobroeck uncorked a wrist shot from the top center, between the faceoff circles, and past Maier.
Responding to pressure, the Flyers had an answer. Deep in the offensive zone, Alex Ciernik began to cycle the puck up to Bonk and over to Adam Ginning, who put the puck behind the net to Jacob Gaucher. Gaucher kept possession behind Garand, sneaking the puck over to Ciernik for the quick equalizer, 2-2, with :30 remaining. After two periods, the score was tied, and the shots on goal favored the Flyers, 22-19.
“It was definitely a monkey off my back. I didn’t feel a hundred percent during the preseason when I was in Sweden, so for me to score, I feel pretty good. It was definitely a good thing for my confidence.”
Alex Ciernik; 9/15/2023
That would conclude the scoring for Philadelphia. Brown and Ciernik scored, while Brink, Barkey, Ginning, and Gaucher all had assists.
New York took a 3-2 lead in the third period. Carter Sotheran was unable to clear the zone. Brett Berard blocked the attempt from Sotheran, then found Ryder Korczak open on the crease to beat Maier for a 3-2 lead, sinking the eventual game-winner with 10:04 remaining in regulation.
Maier was pulled for an extra attacker, but the Flyers did not tie the game. The puck escaped the offensive zone along the blue line, where Brink was forced to dump possession. Matthew Robertson took a lengthy shot at an empty net, giving the Rangers an insurance goal en route to a 4-2 win.
The Flyers dropped the first rookie game versus the Rangers at the 2023 Rookie Camp.
(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)
