Rod Brind’Amour Coaches vs. Son; Connor Bedard’s Debut Tonight

In these preseason days of prospects and kids, we have two stories we think you’ll enjoy. And links to a bunch of recent stories about Philadelphia Flyers prospects and kids.

First, Wednesday night in Raleigh, N.C., Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour enjoyed a special moment in a hockey life full of them. The Flyers Hall of Famer coached against his son, as Florida Panthers prospect Skyler Brind’Amour played against the Hurricanes.

“It was pretty cool,” Skyler Brind’Amour told reporters after the 4-1 Carolina victory. “It’s just a dream come true to be able to play in this building. Obviously, I wish there was a little better outcome for the fellows, but it was an awesome experience.”

Skyler, 24, scored 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 41 games as Quinnipiac won the NCAA championship in April.

Rod was captain of the Hurricanes when they won the Stanley Cup in 2006. He played nine seasons with the Flyers (1991-2000) and 20 years in the NHL.

“It was just a great moment for him, for all of us,” Rod Brind’Amour told the Raleigh News & Observer. “He’s skated on this ice probably more than anybody since he was a little kid. It’s special. Now we’ve got something to talk about forever.”

In the Chi

Tonight in Chicago, No. 1 draft pick Connor Bedard will make his Blackhawks debut against the Blues. The game begins at 8:30 and will be shown on NHL Network.

“Yeah, I can’t wait,” the 18-year-old center told NHL.com yesterday. “I think I’ve said this the whole time: I just want to play hockey. That’s what you want.

“You train so hard throughout the summer and every day, which is great, and you want to see where that gets you in the game.”

The Blackhawks are expecting a sellout crowd tonight at the United Center.

“I think we’re keeping really simple structure in the beginning and see what we have,” Chicago coach Luke Richardson, a former Flyers defenseman, told reporters. 

“We know what Connor can do, but we haven’t seen him do at it this level and with these types of players. So we want to see who works best with him, where he works best, and what works best for the team.”

Some Flyers Prospects

In the last few days, Philly Hockey Now has published these stories about Flyers prospects you might want to check out:

Denver Barkey: He “looks too young to be here” but making a strong impression on Flyers.

Ronnie Attard: Had big chance to state his case vs. Islanders.

Noah Cates: He’s a defensive specialist who’s looking for more offense.

Ryan Poehling: Free agent who is expected to improve the Flyers’ power play. He scored the only goal in last night’s 2-1 loss to the Islanders.

Matvei Michkov: Scores two goals for HC Sochi.

Plus, we ranked the Flyers’ top 10 prospects … and a few more.

Around The National Hockey Network:

Boston Hockey Now: Former Flyer and Phantom Jim Montgomery, now the Bruins’ coach, mourns his mom’s passing.

Buffalo Hockey Now: Are Sabres interested in native son Patrick Kane?

Colorado Hockey Now: Nate Clurman comes to Avalanche with a plan and power-play preview.

Detroit Hockey Now: Red Wings will face Alex Ovechkin in Washington.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins return first-round pick Brayden Yager to Moose Jaw.

San Jose Hockey Now: Coach David Quinn not impressed with Sharks’ “too soft” offensive effort.

Vegas Hockey Now: Early reactions to Golden Knights’ training camp.