Hakstol's busy summer; trip to Fla. planned for Flyers fans
New coach Dave Hakstol has had a busy summer.
Hakstol has met with some of his players, talked on the phone with others, watched video to familiarize himself with his personnel, and picked out a house in South Jersey for his family.
On Thursday, he will hold on-ice instruction for Snider Hockey's young players at the Scanlon Rink in Philadelphia, then will have lunch with the Flyers beat writers. (Insert your bad joke here.)
The Flyers, who have missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, open training camp in Voorhees on Sept. 17.
From here, the most interesting question in camp is whether defenseman Ivan Provorov, the team's No. 1 pick in June, makes the team.
Preseason games televised. CSN announced it will televise three preseason games (all at home) next month on The Comcast Network: Sept. 22 vs. New Jersey; Sept, 25 vs. the Islanders; and Sept. 30 vs. the Rangers.
Flyers' fans trip: Joe DiBiaggio is organizing a Flyers fan trip to see the team play the Florida Panthers on Saturday, Oct. 10 in Sunrise, Fla.
Some of the highlights:
Roundtrip non-stop airfare as a group departing Philadelphia on Oct. 9 and returning Oct. 12.
3-night hotel accommodations at the beachfront B Ocean Resort in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Upper-level game tickets, seated with all of the Flyers fans.
Beer, wine, soda and food in the Panthers arena from 5 p.m. until the end of the game
An on-ice group photo after the game
A Friday night gathering with a food layout and drink specials
An Eagles-watch party on Oct. 11 with food and drink specials
Transportation to and from the airport, hotel, and the game.
Giveaways will include Flyers jerseys, home-game tickets, memorabilia, and a chance to watch warm-ups on the Flyers bench before the Florida game.
Prices range from $699 to $799 for the package. For more info, call 610-517-7171 or email DiBiaggio at joe@phansofphilly.com.
Gaudreau honored: Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau, at the ripe old age of 21, was inducted into the Hall of Fame All-Sports Museum on Wednesday. The museum honors New Jersey greats.
Gaudreau, who attended Gloucester Catholic and is a Carneys Point native, had 24 goals and 64 points and was one of the NHL's top rookies last season. He turned 22 today.
Next summer, Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," will host a benefit golf tourney in South Jersey.