Philadelphia Flyers fans will have their first opportunity to see a new cast of characters from the 2024 NHL Draft starting tomorrow, 07/02/2024. As part of the annual NHL entry draft selection process, the Flyers return to the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, NJ to begin orientation on the exciting new job for this years’ class.
In addition to first-round pick Jett Luchanko, Flyers fans can also expect day two picks such as second-rounders Jack Bergland (51st) and Spencer Gil (#59) to see their first time in a Flyers practice uniform.
Will Matvei Michkov be in New Jersey?! (Probably not.)
The big question asked about Development Camp this offseason has been the same since last week. “Will Matvei Michkov be present?”
According to Charlie O’Connor, visa issues will most likely prohibit Michkov from an appearance in Voorhees this week. With that said, Briere and Co. smuggled in a tall Russian goalie late last season, so who is to say Briere can’t pull a Michkov out of thin air for a skate later this week?
The most likely scenario involving Matvei Michkov this week will be the long-anticipated announcement of him signing his entry-level NHL deal with Philadelphia. At the current time, it appears the first on-ice action Philly will see from the talented Russian scorer will be at Traning Camp in two short months…. also in Voorhees, NJ.
Fine…. Who ELSE Will Be at the Flyers Traning Center
Now that we’ve covered the unfortunate reality that Michkov will most likely NOT be on the ice this week, that does not mean there are not to be fascinating prospects twirling about the frozen floor for the remainder of the week. Personally, I cannot wait to get eyes on the highly-touted speed of Jett Lunchanko. Additionally, the chance to watch a pair of London Knights teammates from next to the glass should have Flyers fans excited!
Memorial Cup runner-up prospects from OHL’s London Knights, Denver Barkey & Oliver Bonk, are both expected to be in attendance this week. Last season, rookie Tyson Foerster participated in Development camp before playing 77 regular season NHL games and scoring 20 goals.
While a full camp roster has not yet been released, it can be expected that most 2023 and/or 2024 draft picks with be skating alongside annual camp invites. Last season, 8 out of 10 prospects participated excluding two international draftees Michkov and goalie Egor Zavragin.
2024 Development Camp Schedule
Development Camp takes place at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, NJ. The four days of on-ice events are FREE and OPEN to the public. While the event is specifically designed for players’ skill development (and not fan interaction), the Flyers Development Camp offers one of the few opportunities for Flyers fans to get up close to NHL superstars in an intimate, compact setting.
Monday, 07/01, will serve as an orientation and media day for the new draft picks. The draftees will join current Flyers prospects on the ice starting on Tuesday, 07/02. The first hockey action starts at 8:30 am until almost 1 pm EST with two split groupings between Team Jones and Team Briere. Wednesday (07/03) features a similar schedule that runs until early afternoon (2:30 pm).
The July 4th holiday will give the young players in town an off-ice day. One final preparation day on Friday, 07/05, will get the prospects ready for a Saturday evening scrimmage at 6 pm EST at the Flyers Traning Center.
In 2023, the Philadelphia Flyers held a fan Youth Hockey Camp Skate as well as a Flyers Fan Fest for fans later in the Development Camp week. The fan fest included an autograph session for some of the fans in attendance for the first hour of the event.
Flyers fans only have a little more than 10 weeks before Flyers Traning Camp rolls through South Jersey in mid-September.
Photo/Haley Taylor Simon
