With the NCAA hockey season heading toward it’s conclusion, the race to sign college free agents is on.
The Flyers have already started recruiting University of Minnesota forward Ben Meyers, who is expected to turn pro after Minnesota’s season concludes. He’s a player the Flyers have kept tabs on over the past three years.
In 2019, Meyers attended the Flyers developmental camp. An invite that came after an impressive season with the USHL Fargo Force – 33 goals & 32 assists in 65 games.
After leaving Flyers developmental camp without a contract, Meyers returned to the University of Minnesota for his first of three seasons.
During his three seasons at Minnesota, Meyers has 37 goals & 51 assists in 97 games. Including being named a rare sophomore assistant captain. As well as, being named the captain this season. Which is one of the traits the Flyers have focused on during their new regime.
This season, Meyers boosted his free agent stock thanks to a strong showing at the Olympics with Team USA. Finishing with 2 goals & 2 assists in 4 games during his Olympic experience.
“In terms of the NCAA, he’s an everyman,” a scout told the Hockey News Steven Ellis. “Minnesota can just throw him into any matchup and he’ll succeed. Meyers can take over shifts. The right NHL team could make use of him throughout the lineup.”
It’s not hard to see why the Flyers have interest in Ben Meyers, who has some highly sought-after traits.
“Skilled and smart, Meyers (5-11, 200) plays with pace and contributes at both ends of the ice. He is Minnesota’s captain and was named to the preseason All-Big Ten First Team.” – Mark Divver
Currently, the Flyers have a lengthy list of players that have come from the NCAA.
Wade Allison – 2nd round pick in 2016 – played for Western Michigan. Tanner Laczynski – 6th round pick in 2016 – played for Ohio State. Jackson Cates – undrafted free agent signing 2021 – played for Minnesota-Duluth. Cam York – 1st round pick in 2019 – played for Michigan.
The Flyers also have tremendous stock currently in the NCAA as well.
Noah Cates – 5th round pick in 2017 – is a senior at Minnesota-Duluth. Jay O’Brien – 1st round pick in 2018 – is a junior at Boston University. Jack St. Ivany – 4th round pick in 2018 – is a senior at Boston College. Bobby Brink – 2nd round pick in 2019 – is a junior at University of Denver. Ronald Attard – 3rd round pick in 2019 – is a junior at Western Michigan. Bryce Brodzinski – 7th round pick in 2019 – is a Junior at Minnesota. Ty Murchison – 5th round pick in 2021 – is a freshman at Arizona State.
PHOTO CREDIT: Aaron Lavinsky – StarTribune
