VOORHEES, N.J. – When people ask what makes the Flyers think they might be better either this season or somewhere in the near future, all they have to do is take a look at the lineup sheet for rookie training camp.
Two members of the junior hockey Memorial Cup champion London Knights team – defenseman Oliver Bonk and forward Denver Barkey – happen to be situated at the top of the lists for their respective positions and not just because the names are situated in alphabetical order.
Bonk keyed a powerful backline while producing 11 goal/40 points in 52 games for the Knights.
Barkey, London’s co-captain, registered 25 goals/57 points in 50 games.
When Flyers rookie camp opened at the Flyers Training Center on Thursday, these two were also at the top of the media interview list.
Bonk, the son of former NHL star Radek Bonk, added 15 pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame (now listed at 200) and was bouncing forwards around fairly well in the first scrimmage of the camp.
Barkey’s speed and agility stood out in both drills and controlled five-on-five play.
Both young men impressed new Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach John Snowden in the initial workouts.
“It’s a fresh start with a new coaching staff so it’s exciting,” Bonk said.
The Memorial Cup lasted well into June, then came Flyer development camp in early July, so it was a short summer for Bonk. Not a lot of time to recover.
“It’s tough on the body sometime,” he admitted. “But I got time to reset. It’s a normal summer, good to go now. It’s scary (now). You don’t know what to expect but at the same time it’s exciting.”
Increasing his physical training and adding the weight make Bonk an even more imposing figure on the ice.
“Everything feels better, the legs feel stronger,” Bonk said. “I can use the extra weight to hunker down a bit and win some battles.”
Added Barkey: “He got a lot bigger this summer. He looks stronger, he’s harder in the corners to go against. But I think the biggest thing for him has been his brain. He thinks the game at a high level, both defensively and offensively.”
Getting all the way to the championship tournament should prove to be a valuable experience for Bonk, who hails from Ottawa.
“Just moving the puck quicker,” he said. “ ‘Torts’ (former coach John Tortorella) talked about that last year with what I needed to work on. That was stuff I was working on last season. Being able to transition quickly and play a more professional style of hockey.”
Asked how he was able to put on 15 pounds in a short of period of time, Bonk grinned and said, “Just eat until you’re sick.”
Which drew a big laugh from the assembled media.
“You skate and you work out but it’s more about downing calories, as many as you can,” Bonk said. “I just ate ‘Jersey Mike’s’ all summer, the giant subs. Not even a meal, just between lunch and dinner. About 2,000 calories. That’s how you do it.”
Bonk went to the Memorial Cup finals three times and won it twice. No doubt these were great learning experiences. Can he bring that winning culture to the Flyers?
“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I think it’s just kind of a mindset. I think it’s definitely contagious.”
Barkey was only a third-round draft pick (95th overall, 2022) but has surprised scouts with his all-around play. At just 5-10, 174 pounds, he has to battle for every inch of ice he can attain.
“It’s good to get out there and do some game-like drills,” the Newmarket, Ontario native said.
Barkey spent much of the offseason recuperating from a somewhat serious ankle injury last season. He says he’s a hundred percent now.
As for either joining the Phantoms or the Flyers, Barkey sounds ready for whatever comes his way.
“You just want to put your best foot forward,” he said. “I think for me it’s just showing up every day and being myself. Giving my all, being respectful and listening.”
He sat out the development camp as a precaution.
“It stinks watching,” he said. “You want to be able to be out there and compete. Maybe I’m a little behind but at this camp I get to make an impression, try to take advantage of that.”
Snowden is a big believer in both players. And he sees room for improvement for both.
Like Tortorella, Snowden wants Bonk to pick up his pace of play.
“I thought he was excellent today,” Snowden said. “His feet were moving, he was involved in the play. I think the one more year, he’s getting bigger, stronger. He’s confident, he’s been through this now. He understands what to expect.”
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