A very classy move by the Flyers last night
PUBLICATION
O. EngMarch 25, 2022 (8:58)
Having just signed an NHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers two days ago, 26 year old winger Hayden Hodgson scored one goal and added an assist in his first ever NHL game.
After last night's win against the St-Louis Blues, Hodgson was swarmed by the media and expressed his gratitude to the Flyers organization for giving him a shot, as well as helping make sure that his parents could be there for the game. So classy.
Charlie O'Connor, reporter for the Athletic wrote on twitter that:
«Hodgson says that his parents were able to get down for his debut around 2 PM today, the Flyers helped out in that regard to make sure they could be there.»
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Undrafted, Hodgson honed his trade for many years in the OHL and ECHL until finally getting a shot with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
As reported by Jamey Baskow, Hodgson actually led the Phantoms in goals with 18, before his call-up.
«What a night for Hayden Hodgson. He finishes with 1g,1a in his first game in the NHL. Guy played well, not surprising as he was tied for the team lead in goals with the Phantoms with 18. Congrats»
Tony Abdrockitis, the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms beat reporter, has seen Hodgson's growth this season and believes his story is exactly what the organization wants to see.
«I think Hodgson's emergence/reward for his hard work can be something guys in #LVPhantoms can really take to heart»
In a season full of ups and downs, it's finally sweet to see somebody's drive and determination play off. The Flyer's development team has been scrutinized in many facets for being unable to produce talent right away. Sometimes you gotta take a step back and let character take the forefront.
Paraphrasing Androckitis here, but last night was an accumulation of basically everything he had been aiming for since arriving in Lehigh Valley. The message we need to send as an organization is do the work, believe in the process and you could be next.
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