Ex-Philadelphia Flyers Forward Throws First Pitch With Hockey Stick?

Nicolas Aube-Kubel, the former Philadelphia Flyers forward turned Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, made a memorable stop on his way back to Washington, D.C.

Aube-Kubel received a special honor from the Lancaster Barnstormers, where he had the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at their game against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks. However, true to his hockey roots, NAK decided to put a twist on the tradition by using his hockey stick to get the ball to the plate.

First baseman Joseph Carpenter played the role of catcher for Aube-Kubel's unique pitch, adding a touch of hockey to America's pastime.

This pitching moment comes exactly a year after Aube-Kubel's triumph as a Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. His journey took an interesting turn during the 2022-23 season when he joined the Washington Capitals after the Toronto Maple Leafs put him on waivers in November.

Aube-Kubel's connection to the Philadelphia area runs deep. He was drafted by the Flyers in the 2014 NHL Draft and spent several seasons with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. It was during his time there that NAK met his now-wife, Madison, and forged a friendship with current Hershey Bears forward Mike Vecchione.

As summer turned to fall, Aube-Kubel embarked on his journey back to D.C. after spending time in Canada, marking another chapter in his hockey adventure.