VOORHEES, N.J. – He was barely old enough to skate when he first had his picture taken with NHL great Wayne Simmonds.
So when 2025 Flyers’ first-round (sixth overall) draft pick Porter Martone had a chance for a reunion shot in front of the camera on Wednesday at development camp’s first day, it was a very special moment.
“It’s pretty cool when you get to see people you idolized when you were a kid,” said Martone, a right wing, after a midday workout at the Flyers Training Center, “and now you’re working with them, they’re part of your development to try to make you a better hockey player.”
When Martone reminded Simmonds they had been photographed together years ago on a hockey rink, it provided a couple humorous moments.
“That’s the first thing he said to me,” Simmonds said with a grin, “and I’m like ‘oh my god, am I that old!’ Honestly, it was really cool to hear.”
Martone said it’s important to have veterans such as Simmonds, now a consultant with the Flyers, and John LeClair (special advisor), giving pointers to the aspiring young players.
“He (Simmonds) is going to be crucial not only to me but all the prospects coming to development camp,” Martone said. “I can ask questions of them, they’re always willing to teach me things. They’re going to be there every step of the way, help you get to the next level, make the NHL.
“For Wayne, it’s pretty cool. He took a photo with me on the ice when I was a kid. So it was a pretty special moment. And now you’re working with him in the same organization.”
Simmonds also had photographs taken with some young hockey fans at the rink.
“We had like 50 kids banging on the glass the whole practice,” Martone said. “He (Simmonds) and a couple others took time out of their day to say hi to us, take a couple photos. I think that’s a great thing as an NHL player – give back to the community, give back to little kids. Now that I’m here, I want to make sure I do that for kids. Try to make everyone’s day.”
Simmonds, who was traded from the Flyers toward the end of the 2018-19 season (and retired at the end of the 2022-23 season), did some scouting work for the Flyers last year and now he’s doing a little informal coaching. Safe to say he wants to stay in the game and do whatever he decides on with the Flyers.
“Kind of nice to share my experiences the 15 years that I played with these young guys,” Simmonds said. “You can tell, they’re hungry, they’re just champing at the bit to get every bit of information they can.”
Working on the ice with youngsters is right up Simmonds’ alley.
“I want to be on the ice with kids,” Simmonds said. “Teach them what I’ve learned, stuff I know. Just get back to the game.”
The Flyers really haven’t had a strong netfront presence since Simmonds left the Flyers. Maybe he can show Martone some pointers in that department.
“I played the game the way I did,” Simmonds said. “That’s what I’m going to try to lend to the guys. They can pick my mind anytime they want. That’s what I’m here for, just to help.”
Simmonds was always a blunt truth kind of player. Nothing has changed now.
After all, young players should want the truth if they hope to advance.
“I would assume so,” Simmonds said. “I think that’s just the way I was, either black or white, no gray area. You want to know what you’re doing well and what you’re not so you can become a better player. I think that’s what development is all about.”
And Simmonds almost always initiated contact rather than reacted to it. That’s No. 1 on his list of things a young, physical-type player should learn.
“Always be initiating, rather than reacting,” Simmonds said. “That would be my advice. More initiation before you even get to the puck. You have more time to make your plays, with your head up.”
Sound advice for a young player, especially from someone who made a living getting the best of contact situations.
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