Quick Hits: May 1, 2023
1) On the new "Mondays with Meltzer" edition of the Flyers Daily podcast, Jason Myrtetus and I discuss various potential candidates for the Flyers' President of Hockey Operations position, including Scott Mellanby, Dave Poulin and Doug Wilson. It does not seem that the Flyers are in the end stages of the interviewing process yet, however. At the very least, the hiring may not happen until after the 2023 NHL Entry Draft Lottery is held next Monday. Other topics explored this season: Upsets in the first round of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs, Team USA's gold medal at the U18 World Championships in Switzerland, the chances of the Flyers once again drafting from the USNTDP talent pool in the first round the Entry Draft, the rising stock of Slovakian prospect Dalibor Dvorsky, and more. To listen, click here.
2) Congratulations go out to the Flyers' ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals. After defeating the Maine Mariners, four games to two, in the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs, the Royals have advanced to the North Division Finals (playoff quarterfinals) to play the Newfoundland Growlers.
The Phantoms will host the first three games of the series on Saturday May 6, Sunday May 7, and Tuesday May 9 before the scene shifts to Newfoundland for Game 4 on Thursday May 11 and, if necessary, for Game 5 (Monday May 15), Game 6 (Tuesday, May 16) and Game 7 (Wednesday, May 17). With a schedule like that, taking care of business on home ice is crucial for coach James Henry's team.
Evan Barratt and Jacob Gaucher led the Royals in scoring in the first round series, posting eight points apiece in the six-game series with Maine. Flyers prosect Zayde Wisdom collected five points (3g, 2a) in the series, while Royals/Phantoms swingman Charlie Gerard had seven points (3g, 4a) against the Mariners. Veteran ECHL/AHL goalie Pat Nagle was 4-0-1 in the Maine series, posting a 2.48 goals against average and .926 save percentage.
3) Flyers 2022 seventh-round pick Alexis Gendron chipped in an assist on Sunday but the Gatineau Olympiques lost a 4-3 overtime road decision to Quebec Remparts. Gatineau fell into a two games to zero hole in the second round of the QMJHL playoffs. The scene shifts to Gatineau on Tuesday and Wednesday for Games 3 and 4. Gendron was held off the scoresheet in Game 1. For the playoffs, the right winger has 12 goals and 17 points in 11 games played to date.
4) If you sign up today for the 2023 Flyers Alumni Walk/Run/Stroll through History at Washington Crossing History Park, you will get a discount on either an adult registration ($45) or child's registration ($20). Starting tomorrow, prices revert back to $50 for adults and $25 for kids. Proceeds of event benefit the Flyers Warriors hockey program for disabled military veterans and the Bucks County YMCA's Veterans Wellness initiative.
Today is the last day for the registration discount: just $45 for adults and $20 for kids.
— Flyers Alumni (@FlyersAlumni) May 1, 2023
Hope to see you on June 11! https://t.co/7zq4Y4ifSu