LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – More than 10 former Lehigh Valley Phantoms players are heading to the NHL playoffs after the Flyers clinched Monday night for the first time since 2020.
“This is where it all begins, and that’s really, I think exciting for our fans to be able to say, ‘I remember when I saw Tyson Foerster here or Travis Sanheim here’,’” said Bob Rotruck, Phantoms radio broadcaster.
Foerster and Sanheim are just a couple of former Lehigh Valley players who will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs.
“You got guys this year that are making waves with the team, like Denver Barkey and Alex Bump,” said Rotruck.
Five Phantoms players are getting the call up this week. It is a big milestone for two in particular.
“Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald are being recalled. They’ll make their NHL debuts tonight. That kind of adds to our list, so we’re closing in on 50 Lehigh Valley players who’ve made their NHL debuts with the Philadelphia Flyers,” said Rotruck.
Phantoms Head Coach John Snowden gave Bonk and McDonald the news they are going up.
“It’s just great to see their faces, them smiling and the excitement, see a little bit of nerves inside cause it’s their opportunity to get their debuts. They’re all deserving,” said Snowden.
It all started right here in the Lehigh Valley.
“I think this year we’ve done a really good job as a staff and as players working together and understanding the little things that they need to do, to make sure they can advance to the next level,” said Snowden.
Hunter McDonald and Oliver Bonk will debut Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens in Philadelphia.
The NHL still has yet to release the schedule for the first round of the playoffs against the Pittsburgh.