Mark Alt was taking shots on the Bell Centre ice in Montreal Monday morning while preparing for the host Canadiens when assistant coach Gord Murphy came over and told Alt there was no need to take shots anymore.
That's because Alt is not a member of the Flyers anymore.
The Colorado Avalanche claimed Alt Monday afternoon, a day after the Flyers had placed the 26-year-old defenseman on waivers in hopes of making him eligible for both the AHL postseason and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"That was kinda weird," Alt said after hearing the news he's heading out west. "He usually wouldn't say something like that, so as I skated off I figured something had happened.
"Very surprised, actually. These things happen and I'm excited for the opportunity. There's mixed emotions - good and bad. It's good to have somebody to be wanted, and at the same time, it's tough to leave the team. It kinda goes both ways there."
Alt had been utilized as the Flyers seventh defenseman has he played in just eight games this season and only nine total as a member of the Flyers. Alt, a second-round pick of Carolina in 2010, was acquired by the Flyers in a trade with the Hurricanes on Jan. 13, 2013 along with goaltender Brian Boucher for Luke Pither.
Alt has yet to record a point in his NHL career.
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Deadline Dale
Dale Weise may experience some Deja Vu today.
It was exactly two years ago today when Weise was in Montreal and was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Flyers forward was enjoying a breakout season, scoring 14 goals prior to the deadline deal.
"I think it was no secret I wanted to stay in Montreal," Weise said. "Two days before I got traded, I thought we had a deal done. We didn't hear back and then I got a call from (Montreal GM) Mark Bergevin that I got traded. It was difficult."
In 2014, Weise was dealt to the Canadiens from Vancouver and he's hoping this two-year trend comes to an end.
"I think everybody's watching it," said Weise. "It's the most exciting time of the year. This is a business and crazy things happen."
Ghost giving back
Eleven days after 17 students and faculty members were shot and killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the school's boys hockey team won the Florida state championship.
Flyers defenseman and Douglas High School alumnus Shayne Gostisbehere was thrilled the team rallied together to win a championship and dedicated their state title to the victims of the shooting.
"It's awesome with obviously everything they've gone through to come out on top," Gostisbehere said.
Gostisbehere attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school from 2007-09, but never played for the Eagles hockey team. However, Gostisbehere will host members of the state champion hockey squad at the BB&T Center in Sunrise when the Flyers take on the Florida Panthers on Sunday, March 4.
"I know I've got some things lined up for the Florida game, so it should be fun."
Ghost is the only alumnus from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to play in the NHL.
