Preseason Thunder

Wow! Can you believe that hockey is just around the corner? I'm still asking myself where summer went, do you know? Anyway, it's been a long time since I last put a post in, sorry for anyone who's been waiting to get any updates from me. I had planned two big blogs over the summer, and well...that summer fun just got in the way, but one of them is 90% complete, look for Ice Hockey History Of Philadelphia and Greatest Flyers Goaltender Masks. Unfortunately, them guys over at NHL Tournament Of Logos beat me to the idea of the Goalie Mask polls. But at least it'll still be unique, since my post will be only Flyers past + present goalies. Enough about me...let's talk hockey...

So, it's been a busy couple of days in Philadelphia, the Flyers signed Jean-Sebastien Aubin to a 1-year contract on Thursday, and on Wednesday, the much anticipated news of Mike Richards becoming captain of the Flyers was announced.

The signing of Aubin makes me wonder are the Flyers considering making a deal to ship Niitty out of Philadelphia? Rumors have always been Niitty and Knuble with Upshall in the mix, almost every time trade rumors came up last year. But with Niitty being out 4 to 6 weeks, Homer could be signing Aubin to do the back-up role then have him play the #1 role with the Phantoms?

If you are a Niitty fan, you do feel bad for him, yet another season, another surgery. Two seasons ago he had surgery midd-season, last year during the offseason, and now a "clean up" surgery on his hip. Niittymaki told reporters, he had high expectations for himself in training camp, well Niitty, now it's time to work twice as hard if you want to remain with the Flyers. Good news is, he's already started rehab.

Speaking of rehab, the Flyers put Derian Hatcher will be on the long-term injured reserves, Hatcher's name will be on the roster for the first game, but immediately taken off and put on the LTDL. This allows the Flyers to save that $3,5 million and clear some cap space or use it for something else. Will Hatcher play this season? Homer says "There's a ray of hope" for him, in other words, it's going to be rare. Isn't it funny, someone who every fan (or almost) thought Hatcher was some liability on the ice, and he evolves into someone we need ? Hatcher may get approval to help out the coaches.

Everyone wants to know who's gone from the Flyers, so here is the list: Scott Munroe (?), Ryan Potunly (Edmonton), RJ Umberger Minnesota), Jason Smith (Ottawa) and assistant coach, Terry Murray (head coach of LA Kings). In comes: Steve Eminger, Aaron Asham, Ossi Vaananen, J.S. Aubin, and John Paddock (former Ottawa head coach, also former Maine Mariners head coach). Plus a boat load of new defensemen on the Phantoms, which was done out of the need to get faster, puck moving defensemen in the Flyers system. Have the Flyers improved defensively? We'll see...

Rookie Camp just ended Friday and all eyes where on Claude Giroux. Giroux is in the running to seriously take some playing time away from Steve Downie. After a great minor league season, don't be surprised to see Giroux on the big team before the year is out. Another bright future in the system is Andreas Nodl, who could also impact the Flyers lineup by end of seasons.


As you know the Spectrum is getting torn down, but two memorable games will be played there, when the Flyers face Carina on the 27th, and the Phantoms October 7th. The Spectrum will be missed, Phantoms hockey is rumored to be going to Trenton or Atlantic City for a couple years before moving to the Allentown area once an arena is built. Go see the great Philly/Hershey rivalry one more time, or Philly/Wilks-Berre rivalry. The 76ers will play their final home game of the season there too. Long live the Spectrum, welcome Philly Live!

Tell me why tickets where "normal" price for the Phantoms game but the Carolina game they where a lot more expensive? Anyway...I'm going to the Phantoms game, taking a buddy and my girlfriend to their first Flyers game, I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Well that sums it up for me, until next time...