BUFFALO, N.Y. -- At last year’s NHL draft, the Flyers selected three goaltenders; however, that didn't stop them from adding between the pipes during the second round Saturday (see draft tracker).
With their second pick in the second round (48th overall), the Flyers drafted goaltender Carter Hart out of the Everett Silvertips' organization in the Western Hockey League.
The 6-foot, 177-pound puckstopper had a busy 2015-16 season, appearing in 63 regular season games with the Silvertips, posting a 35-23-4 record to go along with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.
For his solid second season in Everett, the 17-year-old was named the Canadian Hockey League’s goaltender of the year.
“I felt good. You just got to keep your body in shape, eat right and get some good sleep and keep your body loose,” Hart said of dealing with the heavy workload.
“I think that’s the key, keeping your mind fresh and body in shape.”
Hart already has a connection to the Flyers' organization.
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“I know their development goalie coach Brady Robinson really well," Hart said. "He used to be the Vaughn rep down in Victoria, so he’d come down and treat the U.S. guys and I know Brady pretty well now."
Hart, the fifth-ranked goaltender in ISS Hockey’s draft guide, is known for his good focus and concentration. He has a strong lateral push, quick glove hand and is solid with his blocker. Hart positions himself well, keeping him square to shooters and isn’t afraid to get out of his crease aggressively to cover the net.
The Alberta native will be one of four goaltenders trying to earn a spot on Team Canada’s world junior team this summer.
With the 52nd overall selection, the Flyers took 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward Wade Allison. The 18-year-old forward spent this past season with the Try-City Storm of the USHL, where he was second in team scoring with 25 goals and 47 points in 56 games.
The Manitoba native is committed to attend Western Michigan University in the fall.
“I’m a big, powerful player who likes to battle down low, like to be physical, take the puck to the net, I like to shoot the puck,” said Allison, who tries to model his game after Troy Brouwer and Jeff Carter. “I got to work on my skating a little bit, edge work, my first two steps, they’re not great — definitely room for improvement.”
One of the big reasons Allison chose Western Michigan is because of its head coach, Andy Murray. Murray has a plethora of NHL experience as a head coach winning over 300 games with the L.A. Kings and St. Louis Blues. He also spent time as an assistant coach with the Flyers (1988-90).
“He’s a Manitoba guy, definitely felt a connection there," Allison said. "He trusts in me, I trust in him and I think he definitely gives me the best opportunity to be a pro player one day. I think he’ll definitely help out in my defensive zone. I think he’s a very well structured defensive coach.
“We talked about my weaknesses and how he’s going to make them strengths and I think he’ll give me the best opportunity to be a professional hockey player one day.”
Allison was ranked 62nd amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. ISS Hockey had him at 178th overall.
