Spencer Gill is a new face in the Philadelphia Flyers organization after being selected 59th overall in this year’s NHL Entry Level Draft. The 18-year-old right-handed defenseman has been a standout at practices and the two rookie games this past weekend.
Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr spoke after practice today on Gill:
“We know he (Gill) has to get stronger. The size range, mobility, and pose he plays with are exciting, especially in that environment.”
Gill has been impressing many. After practice, Philly Sports Network caught up with the defenseman to hear from himself how he was doing.
How do you feel camps are going for you?
“It’s been good for me. I came before and trained here, so it’s been nice to get used to the pace, which has been good.”
Who was it you were skating with?
“Some of the AHL guys and some of the NHL guys. It depended on the day and who was there. Overall, it’s a mix of all the guys.”
(Gill said he has yet to talk to John Tortorella but is excited to.)
In terms of coaching, has anyone helped you develop or given you mentorship?
“Sam Morin has helped me a lot. He played in Rimouski (QMJHL) as well, so it’s been an excellent connection to start, and even Patrick Sharp just talked to him a lot. He’s just an excellent mentor to talk to, and he’s been through it all.”
Can you elaborate on what advice Morin or Sharp has given you?
“Sam is more positioning details. There is little stuff with skills and tools to add to my game, which can help me transition defensively. It’s offensive stuff and shots with Patrick, and it taught me to play confidently.”
How do you feel the Rookie games went for you?
“The game went very well. After the first period in the first game, I fit in well. Playing with a guy like Emil (Andrae) helped me greatly to settle in. I think after settling in, I played very well and with confidence.”
Was there anything you felt you had to work on even though you played a good game?
“For me, it’s to continue getting bigger and stronger.”
What is your goal for this coming season?
“Developing my body. Bigger, faster, and stronger. Since the depth camp, I put on 15 pounds, which is the biggest. So, for me, it’s to keep adding more weight and keep getting quicker and quicker.”
Has Danny (Briere) told you what to do when you get back?
“Yeah, the main focus is the long season with the Memorial Cup. For me, it’s to develop my game and get bigger and stronger. The biggest thing is to get stronger.”
A standout has been your speed. What have you done since the development camp to improve?
“When I returned home, I had a really good summer of training. My trainer back home helped me out a lot to get quicker and faster. With the training, skating, and power skating a lot in the summer, that’s been helping me out a lot.”
If you had one goal right now for this upcoming season, what would it be?
“For me, it’s to win the Memorial Cup. We’ve been given the opportunity of hosting to get in the tournament, so it’s on us as a team now to continue developing and try to earn our way to the cup. For me personally, it’s to get stronger.”
What’s it been like skating with Matvei Michkov?
“Pretty cool, honestly. He was a sensation growing up, and you always heard his name. So, being able to skate with him and talk to him in the locker room is nice.”
Have you heard about anyone else at camp before?
“I played with Jett (Luchanko) at Hockey Canada events. So, to get back to see him again is nice.”
Would you say you’re closest with? Jett?
“I would say Jett; and Matteo Mann is back from home as well.”
Fun question. What is your favorite thing about being in Philly?
“When we went into medicals, it was at the main rink (Wells Fargo Center), seeing the football field and baseball stadium because back home, there is no stuff like that. So it was cool to see all the big buildings so close together.”
