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Full Roster and player capsules as we get set for our third season of AHL hockey in downtown Allentown–the team’s third home.

The Phantoms begin their third season in their third city on Saturday, October 15. These are the players eligible to suit up for the Hamilton Street Heroes as we start this promising campaign. As we’ve written before, this team will be the combination of proven AHL talent and top young Flyers prospects. It’s a long season, but to predict playoffs (4 out of 7 division teams make it) isn’t a stretch at all this time. Take a look at who’s on the team as they open the season–a season which will also see the team hosting the AHL All Star Game in January, 2017:

GOALTENDERS

Anthony Stolarz #41

Age: 22

H/W: 6’6″/232

Shoots: Left

From: Edison, NJ

Contract: Two-way, ELC, $70K AHL, RFA Next Season

Last Season: 47 Games/2.60GAA/21-18-7 with the Phantoms

Outlook: Flyers’ GM Ron Hextall has acquired layers of talented goaltenders for his system, with “Stoli” at the top. While he hasn’t had the opportunity to play in an NHL game yet, he should be the first one called upon should Neuvirth or Mason go down in Philadelphia. This is a big year for him as there are players coming up behind him; he may need to prove that he can be at least an NHL backup by next season. In order to do that, he’ll need to work on his weaknesses, as well as prove overall consistency.

Alex Lyon #34

Age: 23

H/W: 6’1″/200

Shoots: (Glove Left)

From: Baudette, MN

Contract: 2-yr ELC, RFA next season, $70k AHL/$92.5 Signing Bonus

Last Season: 36G/1.64GAA/19-8-4 for Yale University

Outlook: Signed by Philadelphia as one of the top free agents available out of college last season. He’s the heir apparent to Stolarz for the Phantoms, and is actually slightly older. He’ll need to adapt to the pro game–but it won’t bee too big for him.

DEFENSEMEN

TJ Brennan #43

Age: 27

H/W: 6’1″/213

Shoots: Left

From: Willingboro, NJ

Contract: 2-yr standard 2-way through 2017-2018, $325K AHL

Last Season: 69 G / 25G 68Pts for Toronto Marlies; Played 7 games for Leafs

Outlook: The offense-minded Brennan was a high-priced acquisition for the Phantoms courtesy of the Flyers. With 53 games of NHL experience he is also system-depth for the Flyers. He should help the Phantoms develop some of their younger defensemen, contribute offensively, and lead one of the power play units. He’s a veteran based on games played.

Will O’Neill #8

Age: 28

H/W: 6’1″/205

Shoots: Left

From: Salem, MA

Contract: Standard 2-yr; 1-way 2016-17, 2-way 2017-18. $575K

Last Season: 74G, 8G/42A for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season, St John’s prior to that.

Outlook: O’Neill has yet to appear in the NHL, but is a proven veteran blue-liner and another investment the Flyers have made in the Phantoms roster. His assists have increased every year in the AHL, and he qualifies as a “veteran.”

Robert Hagg #4

Age: 21

H/W: 6’2″/201

Shoots: Left

From: Uppsala, Sweden

Contract: 2-way ELC through 2017-18; $70K AHL +Bonus

Last Season: 65G, 5G/6A for Phantoms; -11 +/-

Outlook: Hagg enters his third season on the Phantom’s blue line. While some felt he didn’t progress last season, he’s still just 21 after coming to the AHL as a European teenager. He’ll look to assert himself a bit more this season, and kill penalties while allowing more offense-minded teammates to go forward and join the attack. Early on, he’s been paired with fellow prospect Sanheim.

Samuel Morin #3

Age: 21

H/W: 6’7″/227

Shoots: Left

From: Quebec, Canada

Contract: Standard 2-way ELC through 2017/18; $70k AHL with significant performance bonus

Last Season: 76G, 4G/15A for Phantoms

Outlook: The big-bodied defenseman should be more confident and physical this season. He got high marks with the Flyers in pre-season and may make his NHL debut this season if his skating allows. Like Hagg, he’s of the “stay at home” mold, but must show with his skating and stick handling that he’s ready for the NHL. He also needs to prove that he’s ready for the physicality of the NHL.

Travis Sanheim #6

Age: 20

H/W: 6’4″/199

Shoots: Left

From: Manitoba, Canada

Contract: 3-yr entry level through 2018-19; $70k with significant performance bonus

Last Season: 68 points in 52 games in Juniors; 3 points in 4 games for Phantoms

Outlook: More of an offense-minded blue-liner, Sanheim got a quick look at the end of last season. He’ll look to get involved in the game at both ends as he settles into his professional game.

Reece Willcox #44

Age: 22

H/W: 6’4″/205

Shoots: Right

From: British Colombia, Canada

Contract: 2-yr ELC; $67.5K + $32.5K performance bonus; through next season.

Last Season: 33 games with Cornell University (-1); 6 games with Phantoms (+2)

Outlook: As Reece looks to establish himself in the AHL, he’ll likely pair with offensive-minded T.J. Brennan to start the season. Good work on the back end of that lineup will allow him to stay in the AHL even with the possible/eventual return of Mark Alt and/or Andrew MacDonald.

Maxim Lamarche #20

Age: 24

H/W: 6’3″/217

Shoots: Right

From: Quebec, Canada

Contract: AHL; details unavailable

Last Season: 27 games for Reading (+15) and 29 games for Phantoms (-4)

Outlook: Lamarche and Pettersson are blue line depth, and with the Flyers having only 6 defensemen un-injured and un-suspended, we’ll be carrying a few more until Gudas (and Del Zotto) come back. He’ll likely split time between here and Reading just like last season.

Jesper Pettersson #38

Age: 22

H/W: 5’9″/189

Shoots: Right

From: Stockholm, Sweden

Contract: 3-yr, 2-way Entry Level, RFA after this season; $70K, $60 Signing bonus (AHL)

Last Season: 24 games with Phantoms (-4) and 43 games with Reading (+12)

Outlook: “Petty” is one of our favorites here at the Horn and Bell. The “diminutive defenseman” is high energy and as tough as he can be. However, he’s probably not even 5’9″ and he many not be able to overcome the size deficit on the NHL level. His game may be more suited for the larger ice surfaces in Europe. We’ll enjoy watching him this season as he will likely split time again between Allentown and Reading.

FORWARDS

Colin McDonald #13 (C)

Age: 32

H/W: 6’2″/219

Shoots: Right / Right Wing

From: Wethersfield, CT

Contract: Standard 2-yr, 2-way through 2017-2018; $350K AHL

Last Season: 51 games with Phantoms (14G/18A; -6; 30 PIM) and 5 games, 1 goal, with Flyers

Outlook: The captain has returned for another campaign. He should provide some leadership and strength to whichever line needs him the most. As one of the larger forwards on this team, he may be asked to play a more physical role this season. His $625K NHL deal is comparatively inexpensive if the Flyers need offensive depth and are up against the cap. He qualifies as a veteran under the “Rosehill Rule.”

Chris Conner #22

Age: 33 in December

H/W: 5’7″/181

Shoots: Left (Right Wing)

From: Michigan

Contract: Standard 2-yr/2-way through this season; $250K AHL

Last Season: 58 games/16G/39A to lead the Phantoms in points.

Outlook: The small but gritty attacker should get top-6 minutes for the Phantoms this season, but will be able to concentrate on setting up the goal scorers. He’ll take advantage of anything else he can get around the net. He’s a “veteran” based on professional games played.

Greg Carey #10

Age: 26

H/W: 5’10″/204

Shoots: Left

From: Ontario, Canada

Contract: Standard 1-year, 2-way. $190K AHL.

Last Season: 64 games / 26 Goals / 17 Assists / 20 PIM for Springfield AHL

Outlook: Carey will have the opportunity to score even more goals playing on a top line with Chris Conner and Andy Miele to start the season.

Andy Miele #21

Age: 28

H/W: 5’8″ /175

Shoots: Left (Center)

From: Michigan

Contract: 1-year, 1-way; $600K+$25K signing bonus

Last Season: 62 points for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Western AHL

Outlook: The top-line center was lured with an NHL salary and a shot at the Flyers, as perhaps the top forward in AHL free agency this past offseason–a great signing by the Flyers organization. In the mean time, he’ll add almost a point per night centering the top line. He can score by finishing or by setting up his teammates. He is a “veteran” and has 15 games of NHL experience to go with over 300 AHL games.

Jordan Weal #40

Age: 24

H/W: 5’10″/179

Shoots: Right (Center)

From: British Columbia, Canada

Contract: Standard 1-year, 2-way. $200K AHL ($250K guaranteed)

Last Season: Spent the entire season in the NHL but played only 14 games with the LA Kings and the Flyers; came over in the Lecavalier trade.

Outlook: From 2013-2015 scored almost a point per game for the Manchester Monarchs, and was a key figure in their Calder win. He’ll need to shake off the rust, and should be found centering the second line as the season gets underway. There should be no question that he’ll score over 20 goals this season.

Taylor Leier #23

Age: 22

H/W: 5’10″/174

Shoots: Left (Left Wing)

From: Saskatchewan, Canada

Contract: 3-year ELC, $70K (no bonuses this season), RFA after this season

Last Season: 71 games, 20 goals for the Phantoms; 6 games with the Flyers

Outlook: He should see his goal and point totals increase this season, getting top-6 minutes and playing with talented line-mates. This is the season for Taylor to push his way to the NHL and prove he belongs there as a left wing who can finish, and be responsible in his own zone.

Danick Martel #18

Age: 22 in December

H/W: 5’8″/166

Shoots: Left (Left Wing)

From: Quebec, Canada

Contract: 3-year ELC through next season; $60K+$80K signing bonus

Last Season: 22 goals in 62 games with Phantoms

Outlook: The diminutive, but speedy, winger will have to earn a shot at top-6 minutes by playing on a talented third line to start the season. He’ll also be working on his 2-way game after posting a -11 last season. His speed is impressive on the ice, and may be enough to overcome his size deficit.

Mark Zengerle #7

Age: 27

H/W: 5’11″/185

Shoots: Right (Center)

From: Rochester, NY

Contract: (not available) (signed as AHL free agent)

Last Season: 47 points in 72 games for Grand Rapids (AHL)

Outlook: He should provide an experienced target in the middle of the talented third line. He’s good enough to move up if Miele or Weal get called back to the NHL. He’s been a pretty good setup guy in his career.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel #16

Age: 20

H/W: 5’11″/196

Shoots: Right (Right Wing)

From: Quebec

Contract: 3-year ELC starting this season; $70K/$257K performance/$92.5K signing

Last Season: Had six games with the Phantoms after his Juniors season completed, and quickly racked up 2 goals and a +3. 84 points in 64 games in Juniors.

Outlook: The young attacker is oozing with talent and will be tasked with finding his game at the professional level this season. He certainly did well in limited time at the end of last season. Look for him to find his way to one of the top 2 lines by the end of the season, but in the mean time should be part of a third line which is a ton of fun to watch.

Tyrell Goulbourne #12

Age: 23 in January

H/W: 6’0″/200

Shoots: Left (Left Wing)

From: Edmonton, Canada

Contract: 3-yr Entry Level through next season; $70K/$77.5K Signing Bonus

Last Season: 73 Games; 17 Points; 75PIM; -7 with Phantoms.

Outlook: The hard-working winger will need to contribute on both ends of the ice in order to maintain his spot on the fourth line. He’s easily the best pugilist on the squad, and while doesn’t seek out fights, he does finish them. That’s not the way the game is played these days, nor is it the way for him to get to the NHL–but it’s a handy skill to have available on both levels. He’ll make it if he can work in the dirty areas and provide support on both ends, while not costing his team in unnecessary penalties.

Cole Bardreau #9

Age: 23

H/W: 5’10″/193

Shoots: Right

From: Fairport, NY by way of Cornell University

Contract: 2-yr Entry Level, RFA after this season; $70k/$232k performance/$92k signing (AHL)

Last Season: 54 games; 34 points; 54 PIM; -1 for Phantoms

Outlook: The gritty two-way center is back to improve efficiency–fewer penalty minutes and better +/- while holding his own on the third or fourth line. It’ll be the fourth line as we get this season started. He’s had some injuries–including off-season abdominal surgery which he’s recovering from right now–which have also held him back. He’s a “max-effort” player, and fun to watch.

Corban Knight #14

Age: 26

H/W: 6’2″/195

Shoots: Right (Center, usually)

From: British Columbia, Canada, by way of University of North Dakota

Contract: Standard 1-yr, 2-way. UFA after this season. $82.5K AHL

Last Season: 33 games Portland (AHL), 20 games Florida (NHL). 18 Points; 12 PIM overall.

Outlook: The big defensive-minded attacker signs on a one-way deal in the organization of his former coach. He’s a good skater and doesn’t take cheap penalties. He should be a real asset to this team even if you don’t see his name pop up in the box score too often. He’ll kill penalties and eat minutes bottom 6.

Petr Straka #24

Age: 24

H/W: 6’1″/185

Shoots: Left (Right Wing)

From: Czech Republic

Contract: 1-year Standard 2-way following 3-yr ELC. RFA after this season. $90K.

Last Season: 64 games with Phantoms: 19g/18a/37p; 25 PIM; +5

Outlook: A tale of two seasons last year as Straka led all AHL scorers in goals into the run-up to the All Star Game. After the snub, and an injury a short time later, he was never really the same the rest of the season. As one of the bigger forwards, he’ll have to continue playing a 2-way game and playing with urgency every night. To start, we’ll see him battle for fourth-line minutes, but he could move up the ranks quickly if the goals start coming like they did last season, along with a sense of urgency.

Radel Fazleev #19

Age: 21 in January

H/W: 6’1″/192

Shoots: Left (Center)

From: Kazan, Russia

Contract: 1st year of 3-yr ELC; $65K/$77.5K Signing Bonus

Last Season: 59 games; 19G/52A; Calgary Hitmen of WHL

Outlook: Despite the point totals in Juniors, Fazleev is expected to be a defensive-minded forward as he enters his first season of pro hockey. He was in town late last season, but never got on the ice due to injury. Expect to see his name pop up almost every night on the fourth line as the season starts.

Derek Mathers #29

Age: 23

H/W: 6’3″/227

Shoots: Right

From: Ontario, Canada

Contract: AHL, Unknown

Last Season: 27 games with Reading (1g/3a); 3 games with Phantoms (12 PIM)

Outlook: Expect Mathers to spend some time in Reading this season as well, and fill the enforcer role when Goulbourne is out of the lineup in Allentown.

Credits: Photos and stats from hockeydb.com. Contract info from GeneralFanager.com. “Outlook” hot takes are my own, or from discussions with der Eishockeyzuschauer.

Roster changes will be updated in “Hockey Night” posts on home game days, and as needed throughout the season.

See you at the arena,

@Kram209

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Categories: Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Phantoms Hockey