Rangers vs Flyers: Rookie Series set for September
The New York Rangers rookies will be taking on the Philadelphia Flyers rookies once again before the new season starts.
The Rookie Series will be held at the PPL Center in Lehigh Valley and takes place on Friday, September 15 (7:05 pm) and Saturday, September 16 (5:05 pm).
“The two-game Rookie Series vs. the New York Rangers is such a marquee event to kick off a new season of hockey for both the Flyers and the Phantoms,” said Flyers NEW General Manager Daniel Briere on the PPL website. “It’s always a great weekend in Allentown and a wonderful opportunity for our fans to see the up-and-coming talent.”
Tickets can be purchased at the PPL website beginning June 16.
Rangers Rookie Series
Three of the Rangers top prospects are likely to suit up for these matches: Brennan Othmann, Adam Sykora, and Bryce McConnell-Barker.
Othmann, 20, was selected by the Rangers in the first-round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. This past season, he registered 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points in 56 matches split between the Flint Firebirds and Petes. In the playoffs, he led the team with 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 23 playoff games to help them win the OHL Championship. In the Memorial Cup tournament, he notched 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 5 games. Sadly, the Petes fell short of winning it all.
Sykora, 18, was taken with in the second-round of the 2022 Draft. The feisty winger had 8 goals and 21 points in 38 regular-season games this season for Nitra in Slovakia. His team was eliminated in the quarterfinals and he ended the playoffs with 4 points in 8 playoff matches. Soon after, he joined the Hartford Wolf Pack and played in 2 regular-season contests registering no points. Sykora provided 1 assist in 4 playoff games for the Pack.
McConnell-Barker, 18, was taken in the third-round in the same draft as Sykora. The captain of the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds had a strong season as he led the team in scoring with 77 points (30 goals, 47 assists) through 68 games.
Other potential rookies that may suit up are goalie Dylan Garand, plus forwards Brett Berard, Ryder Korczak, and Adam Edstrom.
New York dropped both games last season by scores of 2-1 (OT) and 5-1. Defenseman Matthew Robertson tallied in the first game and forward Bobby Trivigno notched the only goal of the second contest.
Needless to say, the Rangers’ rookies are looking for a much better showing this time around.
More About:New York Rangers Analysis