QUICK HITS: SEPT. 19, 2017
1) On the fourth on-ice day in training camp, Flyers coach Dave Hakstol divided the roster into two distinct group instead of the more randomized units of the first week. Group 1 consisted of players who are either locks for an NHL roster spot or in the hunt for a spot. Group 2 contained probable Lehigh Valley Phantoms players who are longshots for opening night spots in the NHL and junior-aged players gaining a little more camp experience before the Flyers reassign them to their CHL clubs.
Most notably, Mike Vecchione, Phil Myers, German Rubtsov, Mikhail Vorobyev, Mark Friedman and Carter Hart were among the participants in Group 2. Taylor Leier was originally on the Group 2 roster but was a late substitution for Wayne Simmonds (maintenance day) in Group 1.
For a full rundown of notable happenings at Monday's practice, line combinations and a preview of what to expect in the days to come, see my
camp report on the Flyers' official website.
2) "Maintenance day" has become a hockey catch-all term for any situation in which a player does not practice on a given day but who would be able to play if there was a game. It could be a recently incurred minor injury. It could be a nagging physical issue. It could be that the player is under the weather. Or it could simply be a day of rest.
From the get-go of training camp, Simmonds was going full tilt in battle drills as if the reigning Bobby Clarke Trophy winner and NHL All-Star was among the players fighting for his roster spot. As one of the team leaders, he was setting a good example. Ditto Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. It wouldn't be surprising, however, if Simmonds got a little banged up during one of the many battle drills and took a day off.
3) Hakstol indicated that Monday's groups would be changed around a little bit on Tuesday. It remains to be seen if that means someone such as first-year pro Vecchione could switch around with a player such as veteran Colin McDonald (who was in Group 1 yesterday) or if it means the roster will be divided more along the lines of "Allentown" and "Brooklyn" groups for Wednesday's split-squad games against the New York Islanders. Hakstol said that he is going to try to split the roster fairly evenly for Wednesday.
4) Hakstol will coach the Allentown game. Gord Murphy and Ian Laperriere will co-coach in Brooklyn.
5) The Flyers made two preseason roster cuts on Monday: prospect Anthony Salinitri was returned to his junior club, the OHL's Sarnia Sting and defenseman Frank Hora was assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms camp, which starts on Thursday. If Hora does not earn a spot with the Phantoms, he will be assigned to the ECHL's Reading Royals.
6) The annual series of Flyers Alumni Team games throughout the Delaware Valley gets underway on Sept. 30, 2017. To help celebrate the start of the Philadelphia Blazers' season, the Flyers Alumni will play against the Blazers' coaches at the Flyers Skate Zone in Northeast Philadelphia. The Flyers Community Caravan will also be on hand outside the Skate Zone from 10 AM to noon, with inflatables, games and more for the entire family. Game time is 12:20 p.m. ET ($10 per adult, $5 per child, free for Blazers players and their siblings). From 2:20 to 3, there will be a Flyers Alumni autograph session. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a fan meet-and-greet with the Flyers Alumni Team players ($30 ticket).
7) Sept. 19 Flyers Alumni birthdays: Scott Daniels (1969), Gilbert Dionne (1970), Josh Gratton (1982), and Joni Pitkänen (1983).
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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