Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Development Camp, Provorov, Konecny and More

The young goaltender said that while his education at Harvard is very important to him -- he is thinking of focusing on applied mathematics and statistics -- his career goals are geared first toward professional hockey.

So, if not a professional goaltender, a career in proprietary statistical analysis then?

"1997: The Flyers hire Wayne Cashman as their head coach."

That hiring still amazes me. I remember thinking at the time that Cashman would turn the Flyers into this loveable rough-and-tumble early 70's kind of team ... but instead they became the softest Flyers team I've ever seen.

Bill,

With an expansion draft seemingly looming over the heads of every franchise in the near future does it benefit the flyers in any way to not have all the young prospects at the NHL level when the draft occurs. Past years limits on the number of players a team can protect, I would assume impact decisions like bringing up the young kids. Especially for a team/GM that is preaching patience and looking towards the future.

Thanks.

I still can't quite believe we got Provorov and Konecny out of the 7th, 29th and 61st picks. There was so much talk pre-draft about how the Flyers might have to trade up to make sure they got Provorov, and with Konecny I barely paid attention to him before the draft because he seemed like he would go 11-20.

Thanks Bill. I am glad to see that our radio team will retain Tim, and Coatsy for the season. I hope that our TV team will consist of the same line up as well.
August is almost here...then September...nice.

Ivan, Ivan, Ivan, Ivan, Ivan, Ivan, Ivan.

Bill, what are your personal feelings on the Flyers basically replacing Zepp with LaBarbera? You seemed to have a friendly relationship with Zepp, and I'm just wondering, from the perspective of a fan, if you'd have preferred they had retained Zepp instead.

Also, any reports as to other NHL organizations interested in Zepp? The guy paid his dues, and I hope he'd get more than a one-and-done in North America. I doubt he has any interest in the ECHL.

It's encouraging reading about skilled prospects like Konecny and Provorov playing physical. I often think that the skilled players who play physical in junior have the mental make-up and work ethic which enables them to work hard through their 'prospect years' and develop to their fullest potential.

It's encouraging reading about skilled prospects like Konecny and Provorov playing physical. I often think that the skilled players who play physical in junior have the mental make-up and work ethic which enables them to work hard through their 'prospect years' and develop to their fullest potential.
- Coburns_Nose

hahahaahaha your screen name is hysterical.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Development Camp, Provorov, Konecny and More
- bmeltzer

If there is a rookie game this season, it's gonna be the greatest Flyers rookie game of all time!!

It's encouraging reading about skilled prospects like Konecny and Provorov playing physical. I often think that the skilled players who play physical in junior have the mental make-up and work ethic which enables them to work hard through their 'prospect years' and develop to their fullest potential.
- Coburns_Nose

I never thought about that, but I guess it would make sense. Shows they're willing to use all of the tools at their disposal to excel and that they're not afraid to get their nose dirty.

- Feanor

I'm assuming that's Morin at top left. And Laughton's next to him. Other than that, no clue. Maybe Ghost in the middle bottom, next to the only darker-skin pigmentation player in the shot (whoever he is, he looks tiny).

Oh almost forgot I also love Reese's peanut butter cups

Oh almost forgot I also love Reese's peanut butter cups
- Streit2ThePoint

You could have just said "I am human."

Bill, what are your personal feelings on the Flyers basically replacing Zepp with LaBarbera? You seemed to have a friendly relationship with Zepp, and I'm just wondering, from the perspective of a fan, if you'd have preferred they had retained Zepp instead.

Also, any reports as to other NHL organizations interested in Zepp? The guy paid his dues, and I hope he'd get more than a one-and-done in North America. I doubt he has any interest in the ECHL.
- jmatchett383

I will miss having Zepper around, but he'll find a good situation for himself. Hockey-wise, I understand why the Flyers signed LaBarbera (much more NHL experience, very good AHL career, another good guy in the room). I personally think, though, that right now Zepp is the better goaltender.

I'm assuming that's Morin at top left. And Laughton's next to him. Other than that, no clue. Maybe Ghost in the middle bottom, next to the only darker-skin pigmentation player in the shot (whoever he is, he looks tiny).
- jmatchett383

Tyrell Goulbourne

I will miss having Zepper around, but he'll find a good situation for himself. Hockey-wise, I understand why the Flyers signed LaBarbera (much more NHL experience, very good AHL career, another good guy in the room). I personally think, though, that right now Zepp is the better goaltender.
- bmeltzer

If the Flyers had a prolonged injury to Mason or Neuvirth, would you have much faith in LaBarbera to step in as a backup? I always viewed Zepp as a relative unknown, but have never been much impressed with the little I've seen of LaBarbera. I'd rather have the unknown. Also, I liked Zepp, he seemed like a very grounded guy who was simply loving living out his childhood dream.

Tyrell Goulbourne
- bmeltzer

Thank you, that's Goulbourne. But who's the kid to the right of him?

Edit: I think I see Ghost in the top row actually (6th from left). But the kid middle bottom looks relatively short and skinny (granted, he's sitting down).

I'm assuming that's Morin at top left. And Laughton's next to him. Other than that, no clue. Maybe Ghost in the middle bottom, next to the only darker-skin pigmentation player in the shot (whoever he is, he looks tiny).
- jmatchett383

Konecny is to the right of Laughton, then Ghost, then Pitbull Pettersson. Sanheim is four more guys to the right.

Provorov is third from the right.

I don't recognize anyone in the bottom row apart from Goulbourne (fourth from left)... maybe NAK is the guy sixth from left.

Konecny is to the right of Laughton, then Ghost, then Pitbull Pettersson. Sanheim is four more guys to the right.

Provorov is third from the right.

I don't recognize anyone in the bottom row apart from Goulbpourne (fourth from left)... maybe NAK is the guy sixth from left.
- Feanor

A lot of blondes in our prospect pool. This will disappoint my wife.

I'm thinking 6th from the left at bottom is Hagg maybe (could also be 2 to the left of Sanheim).

If the Flyers had a prolonged injury to Mason or Neuvirth, would you have much faith in LaBarbera to step in as a backup? I always viewed Zepp as a relative unknown, but have never been much impressed with the little I've seen of LaBarbera. I'd rather have the unknown. Also, I liked Zepp, he seemed like a very grounded guy who was simply loving living out his childhood dream.
- jmatchett383

I think LaBarbera is still serviceable. Zepp is very likable and one of the most articulate players you'll ever meet, but LaBarbera is said to be a real good guy,too.

- Feanor

a couple of future NHL stars lurking in this photo

a couple of future NHL stars lurking in this photo
- vejim

You bet your ass there are some future stars in there