FLYERS ROUNDUP: AUGUST 6, 2015
* Team Canada dropped a 3-2 decision to Russia via shootout at the World Junior Summer showcase on Wednesday night. Flyers prospects Travis Sanheim (2 PIM on a first-period crosschecking infraction) and Travis Konecny (one assist) both played in the game for the Canadians.
Konecny, who was officially credited with three assists in Tuesday's game against the Czech Republic (although it was actually four), played for the second straight game. He was denied on a first-period breakaway by Russian goaltender Alexander Gorgiev. Later, he assisted on the Travis Dermott power play goal that tied the game at 2-2 near the middle portion of the second period.
After the game, Konecny was in the middle of a fracas that started in the handshake line as he exchanged words with Russian defenseman Nikita Zhuldnikov. This was a carryover from the previous game between the Canadians and Russians, as Zhuldnikov delivered a hit that concussed Vancouver Canucks' prospect Jared McCann.
It should be noted that the official scoring in the tournies in Canada and Lake Placid has left something to be desired. Flyers prospect Radel Fazleev has been listed in the box scores of both games despite being out with an injury. Sanheim seemed to have earned a clear-cut pair of assists in the first game against Russia yet none were officially credited. In the first game, Sanheim triggered an eventual goal by Joe Hicketts with a perfect bank pass to spring Mitch Marner on the rush. Sanheim was also not credited with an assist for triggering a breakout on an eventual power play goal by Spencer Watson.
Regardless of point totals, however, Sanheim has been impressive in the two games. He had a couple of defensive miscues but recovered quickly.
Canada finishes up the tournament on Thursday with a rematch against the Czech Republic. Flyers prospects Nicolas Aube-Kubel (credited with two assists for Canada in the first meeting) and David Kase (no points but one of the better Czech players) are expected to suit up for their respective teams. Game time is 7:30 p.m. EDT. The match will air on TSN in Canada.
* Team Sweden plays Team USA at the National Junior Team Evaluation Camp tourney in Lake Placid on Thursday. The Swedes were idle on Wednesday, while the Americans downed Finland, 5-4, in an overtime decision. Flyer prospect Oskar Lindblom, who missed the Swedes' previous game, is still officially day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Fellow Flyers prospect and Brynà¤s product Felix Sandström has started both games to date in goal for the Junior Crowns. Game time is 4 p.m. EDT. The match is available for streaming live download via subscription site Fast Hockey.
* Earlier this week, Flyers chairman Ed Snider was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2015 Global Sports Summit in Aspen. National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman presented the award to Snider. In addition to recognizing Snider's central role in building the Flyers from a 1967 expansion club into one of the NHL's most successful franchises, Bettman noted Mr. Snider's extensive philanthropy.
The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, which was worked with 3,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds in the Delaware Valley, not only teaches the game of hockey but also provides academic services and benefits local communities through the rehabilitation and construction of public rinks. The dramatic success of the Snider Hockey program in the Delaware Valley rivals that of the landmark Ice Hockey in Harlem program in New York.
For information on the many different ways -- volunteerism, equipment donations, financial assistance, employment or internship opportunities, etc -- that the public and businesses can help the work of Snider Hockey in the Philadelphia area, visit the organization's official website.
* Earlier this week, a HockeyBuzz reader shared a photo of a great find during an attic cleanout: 1970s era Flyers mugs and tumblers. It brought me back to the days when you could find those mugs in the suburban malls and all the grocery stores sold commemorative Flyers Stanley Cup glasses containing Penn Maid sour cream and the beverage aisle had Canada Dry Ginger Ale cans with the Cup-era players individually featured. Even seldom-used backup goaltender Bobby Taylor had his own featured can.
TODAY IN FLYERS HISTORY FROM FlyersAlumni.org
1975: The Flyers sign Bob Ritchie and Dave Kelly.
1991: Looking to upgrade the speed in the lineup, the Flyers sign free agent Brad Jones.
1996: The Flyers sign Karl Dykhuis to a contract extension. On the same day, former Flyers draftee John Stevens rejoins the organization as an unrestricted free agent signing.
1997: Director of Pro Scouting Paul Holmgren is promoted to Director of Player Personnel.
2004: The Flyers sign center Michal Handzus to a three-year contract extension.
