Flyers' top pick Nolan Patrick eyes return to ice

STONE HARBOR, N.J. — Recovering from his second hernia in as many years, Nolan Patrick hopes to make his return to the ice next week.

And at the Flyers' annual "Trial on the Isle: event to conclude development camp, Patrick found himself as the goaltender for a street hockey shooting session. Between slapshots from young Flyers fans and bubble soccer with future teammates, the second-overall pick in June's NHL Draft was just looking to stay out of harm's way.

"Not comfortable at all," Patrick said of his time in goal. "I was trying not to get hit. That was the main focus for me there. I just volunteered after [Travis] Sanheim decided to rip a slapshot on me, I think he wanted me to get out there. It's fun doing something with the kids, I loved it."

The event at the Shore featured Patrick along with 27th overall pick Morgan Frost and past first-round selections Sanheim (2014) and German Rubtsov (2016). Flyers trainer and conditioning coach Jim McCrossin led the 16th annual trip to Stone Harbor.

"They're our future," McCrossin said. "And for some of them, maybe their future is going to be now. For some, it may be a few years. But the best thing is that we get to watch them grow and develop."

After undergoing predraft surgery on June 13 to repair a sports hernia first suffered during his Juniors season in 2015-16, Patrick skipped the on-ice portion of the Flyers' development camp this week. Wednesday's fan-centric event was the first time Patrick could participate in competition — and the 18-year old was ironically involved in a few bubble soccer collisions.

"I got hammered a few times for sure," Patrick said. "So I was pretty useless out there and didn't do too much. I think everyone has been pretty tired from the week, obviously more than I was because I didn't skate. It's obviously really nice to be down here. A lot of the guys haven't been here yet so it's a fun experience."

Patrick, a high-scoring center, was drafted by the Flyers on June 23. The organization opened development camp on July 7, giving the Winnipeg native two weeks to arrive at the Flyers' training complex in Voorhees.

"It's been really busy," Patrick said. "I think I've been home for like five days in the past month. But I'm also really excited to end up in Philly, they're extremely passionate and it was a fun day on the beach. It's been a really good day so far."

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall expects Patrick to be ready for training camp in September. Patrick played through his hernia last season with the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings, collecting 20 goals and 46 points in 33 games.

"I'm just trying to take it day-by-day and not put any extra pressure on myself or look too far ahead," Patrick said. "My dad's probably been the biggest influence on me since I was younger and keeping me positive. I'm just excited for camp."