Shayne Gostisbehere article in the Daily News

[EDI-Flyer]

Nice filler piece on Ghost in todays Daily News, with some recycled quotes etc but interesting nonetheless...

SHAYNE Gostisbehere is not usually the biggest guy on the ice and he has never gotten in a fight, but he has earned a reputation of a guy you might not want to mess with. Gostisbehere was selected by the Flyers in the third round of the 2012 NHL draft after spending his freshman year at Union College. He returned to the Dutchmen last season and plans to return for his junior and senior seasons, as well.

During the offseason, Gostisbehere is focusing on gaining weight and filling out without losing his speed, quickness and agility. This summer, the 20-year-old defenseman said that he has gained 10 pounds and that the Flyers would like to see him gain another 10. Right now, he is 5-11, 170 pounds, but thinks his size is no reason for players to pick on him. "Just because I am a little guy doesn't mean guys can pick on me," Gostisbehere said at the Flyers' recent development camp for prospects. "I'll have guys on my team that can take care of those guys, but I like to take care of myself sometimes. Not saying I'm a big fighter, but I'm not going to take any crap from anyone."

Gostisbehere made it known in the most recent World Junior Championships that he would not let anybody push him around on the ice. He was ejected in the USA's 9-3 victory over Slovakia last New Year's Eve after striking Matus Matis in the groin. He was handed a one-game suspension following the misconduct. "I just saw red, and something snapped in me, and I really haven't ever seen that in myself before, and other people haven't seen that in my game, either," Gostisbehere said. "My stick just kind of floated up there, I guess."

A native of Margate, Fla., Gostisbehere said he never had trouble finding ice to skate on, as a top-notch rink was only 10 minutes from his home. Although he acknowledges he is a Florida Panthers fan, Gostisbehere added that it was an honor to be drafted by an organization with a history as rich as the Flyers'. After two seasons with Union College, Gostisbehere has tallied 13 goals and 35 assists in 77 games. In his first seasons with the program, he was a major factor in the Dutchmen's runs to the 2012 Frozen Four and 2013 East Regional finals. "It was a quick learning process when I got to [union College]," Gostisbehere said. "I didn't touch the offensive side of my game, but they definitely polished off the defensive side of my game and they helped me a lot. You play with guys that are 23 to 24 years old, and you have to put all your effort in each day."

Gostisbehere entered his second straight year of Flyers' development camp on Sunday, and his progress was monitored by John Paddock, the Flyers' player personnel director. "He has a really, really good skill package. He went from being drafted last year to opening some eyes and now making the world junior team," Paddock said. "He is a highly skilled guy. A lot of people are going to say that he is small, and, well, he is, but when you have the right mix, it doesn't really make a difference, and I guess the right mix is size. His skill level around other players is going to make a team better."

At the collegiate level, players are not allowed to fight on ice. While Gostisbehere has had his fair share of arguments and encounters, he said he has never been in a fight, but thinks that will come once he advances to the next level. For the time being, he will stick to what he is best at, shutting down offenses, while also contributing offensively. "I'm an offensive defenseman, and I'm no slouch on defense, either," Gostisbehere said. "I got that little snot, I guess that little Flyer in me, but definitely my offensive side is my best attribute."

While Gostisbehere thinks he is still a couple of years away from putting on a Flyers uniform, he said he would need to consider his options if Philadelphia were to offer him a contract this season. "I would definitely be tempted to sign," he said, "but I made a commitment to 4 years with Union College and my coach, Rick Bennett, and that is what I intend to do."

http://www.philly.co...lVYoH4drjPM1.99

[flyercanuck]

After drafting Morin and Hagg I'm a lot more confident there could be a spot for Gostibehere. His size makes him more of a "specialist" IMO, cause I can't see him being much of a threat defensively against NHLers. But with the 3 of them adding totally different dimensions to the defence, it could work out quite well, especially when you throw Schenn, Streit,Grossmann, Gustaffson, Coburn and Lauridson into the mix.

I'm not sure spearing a guy in the yarbols is considered earning "a reputation of a guy you might not want to mess with". In my books it's a guy who gets punched out eventually.

[AndyS]

So we're supposed to be impressed that Ghost hit someone in the groin??

Isn't that one of the (many) things that we are always pointing to when we say that Crosby is a dirty player and a punk? (Trying to keep it G-rated.)

I hope the kid pans out, but that is not confidence-inspiring to me. Heck, if he has made any real strides, I'd like to see him break camp with the Flyers.

[EDI-Flyer]

@AndyS @flyercanuck

In fairness to Ghost I don't think this is something that he was bragging about (Spearing the guy). To me it comes across as a journalist who knows jack about hockey (that'll be any of the writers on Philly.com then ) trying to make up a story. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure that the quote re the stick sliding up came from a question asked on the opening day of the rookie camp as I remember seeing it in the shoutbox IE a while ago.

Personally I think he had a strong season with Union and liked what he did in the Worlds (spearing the guy in the groin aside...). I would like to see him have at least one more college season, he isn't going to break the Flyers line up this year IMO so you might as well let him develop.

Longer term I do think there will be a place for him on the Flyers given his mobility and skill set, even if that is 2nd unit PP QB rather than first. The fact that there will potentially be some big nasty guys on D means that you can accommodate a smaller skilled player.

[AndyS]

@AndyS @flyercanuck

In fairness to Ghost I don't think this is something that he was bragging about (Spearing the guy). To me it comes across as a journalist who knows jack about hockey (that'll be any of the writers on Philly.com then ) trying to make up a story. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure that the quote re the stick sliding up came from a question asked on the opening day of the rookie camp as I remember seeing it in the shoutbox IE a while ago.

Personally I think he had a strong season with Union and liked what he did in the Worlds (spearing the guy in the groin aside...). I would like to see him have at least one more college season, he isn't going to break the Flyers line up this year IMO so you might as well let him develop.

Longer term I do think there will be a place for him on the Flyers given his mobility and skill set, even if that is 2nd unit PP QB rather than first. The fact that there will potentially be some big nasty guys on D means that you can accommodate a smaller skilled player.

Is he too small to develop with the Phantoms? (Would he be better-served there or in college?)

Not that I want the kid to break his word to his college coach.

[EDI-Flyer]

@AndyS

I don't think he is too small for the Phantoms, although it wouldn't hurt him to put on another 15lbs over the next year or so IMO, as long as it doesn't impact on his mobility.

I just think that it might do him more good to have at least one more season developing on a decent team (Union) as opposed to one that sucks (Phantoms). He is going to see plenty of ice time for them next year along with the best part of 40 games.

2014/15 will be plenty soon enough to move him to the Phantoms if he decides to go pro. He would probably need a year of seasoning in the A before we could reasonably expect to see him on the Flyers so 2015/16 season in all likelihood, small cameos on a call up basis notwithstanding.

Edit, just checked on NHL.com and by way of comparison Kimmo is 5"10 and 194lbs... Ghost is an inch taller at 5"11 and 24lbs lighter. putting on 15lbs as mentioned above would seem a reasonable next step towards NHL strength and conditioning...

Edited July 17, 2013 by EDI-Flyer

[Lucky13]

Is he too small to develop with the Phantoms? (Would he be better-served there or in college?)

Not that I want the kid to break his word to his college coach.

I was thinking this too. Might be good to spend some time in the A to get accustomed to the rough stuff and find his ways to deal with it.

[AJgoal]

Just give him playing time against the Habs. isn't he bigger than all of their forwards?

[EDI-Flyer]

Just give him playing time against the Habs. isn't he bigger than all of their forwards?

[OccamsRazor]

His size makes him more of a "specialist" IMO, cause I can't see him being much of a threat defensively against NHLers

Well he is still young and growing.....his ceiling (size wise) is close to Duncan Keith's i believe.

When he is done growing, he is 5' 11" 175 now and should maybe reach 6 foot....maybe.....195 in two more years which is enough in today's NHL.

I was very close to his body type when i was young and i didn't really get to put on some good muscle till i was about 20.

In fact i was skinnier than he i graduated high school at 125 lbs.

And in 3 years with some weight lifting and a decent diet (protein powder and hops) i got up to 180. But someone better not let him drink as much beer as i did cause then he'll get in trouble.

As long as he is smart and knows how/when to get physical with someone...it took Keith a couple years to figure this out...and if he ends of with Keith type of offense from the back end i'll be happy.

He'll learn to channel this....i don't think it should have been 5 minutes i don't see no contact with the head oh well...

Not saying he will he still has a loooong ways to go though.

Edited July 17, 2013 by OccamsRazor

[DAXflyer]

He'll learn to channel this....i don't think it should have been 5 minutes i don't see no contact with the head oh well...

That should not have even been 2 minutes. He does nothing to earn a penalty. That announcer is horrible. Even watching replays he spouts garbage "That's close to the head..... (really? the shoulder is close to the head?) "The puck was nowhere near him.... (just actually on his stick when he gets hit) "There's the elbow.... (elbow flailing after contact and coming nowhere near the guy's head)

[OccamsRazor]

That should not have even been 2 minutes. He does nothing to earn a penalty. That announcer is horrible. Even watching replays he spouts garbage "That's close to the head..... (really? the shoulder is close to the head?) "The puck was nowhere near him.... (just actually on his stick when he gets hit) "There's the elbow.... (elbow flailing after contact and coming nowhere near the guy's head)

Yeah that is a questionable call there if there ever was one...however...that type of play excites me because it shows he is willing to do what he has to...despite his size.

This type of play from Matt Carle when he was here is what i at least expected from him but you never really ever saw it.

Also why i was against giving him that big contract he got from Tampa.

Now i know that wasn't the type of guy Carle was but when that type of play was needed ever he just would never do it.

Ghost i'm sure ain't going to be a bruiser...but i want to know when the team needs a play like that he will not be shy to lay it out is all i want...makes me happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This will be nice and what i will expect from him in the future!!!!!!!!!

[mojo1917]

Edit, just checked on NHL.com and by way of comparison Kimmo is 5"10 and 194lbs... Ghost is an inch taller at 5"11 and 24lbs lighter. putting on 15lbs as mentioned above would seem a reasonable next step towards NHL strength and conditioning...

I can relate to this because i'm 5'11" and now a fit 180 lbs... in my late 20's to my mid 30's I was a pretty thickly muscled 190-95. but i was going against my body type and all that did was contribute to raising my blood pressure; plus the extra mass inhibited my athletic ability, the strength was nice but i wasn't nearly as agile at that weight as i was prior to "bulking up" and am now. Ghost and the Flyers athletic training team will have to be careful how they go about making his body larger so he can be durable at the NHL level, if they aren't he may wind up like anquan boldin , alex ovechkin and some others that have lifted themselves out of greatness, or in Ghost's case a chance to play everyday at the highest level.

[OccamsRazor]

I can relate to this because i'm 5'11" and now a fit 180 lbs... in my late 20's to my mid 30's I was a pretty thickly muscled 190-95. but i was going against my body type and all that did was contribute to raising my blood pressure; plus the extra mass inhibited my athletic ability, the strength was nice but i wasn't nearly as agile at that weight as i was prior to "bulking up" and am now. Ghost and the Flyers athletic training team will have to be careful how they go about making his body larger so he can be durable at the NHL level, if they aren't he may wind up like anquan boldin , alex ovechkin and some others that have lifted themselves out of greatness, or in Ghost's case a chance to play everyday at the highest level.

I agree. Back in the day when i lifted weights and boxed a little mostly heavy and speed bag work did very little sparring work...i noticed with my power lifting trying to add size and strength i lost my stamina and endurance.

Yes my punch was stronger and more powerful but was that worth the lost stamina...i say no.

Hockey is more along the lines of an endurance sport and like you stated Ghost's weight needs to be good weight.

It was why i changed my workout habits and why i stopped lifting heavy, i didn't what to sacrifice my endurance.

For example i never benched or squatted anything over 225. Shoot for just more reps instead and loved this routine change.

Lifting just close to your body weight is good enough.

My best friend was way stronger than me but when we got to the treadmill and exercises like that he was out quick.

I got my weight up to 220 lbs on a 5' 11" frame and didn't like it, now i just like to keep my weight around a 195 solid it's where i feel the best.

Right now i'm about 15 lbs over that from my foot surgery and it is kicking my but to shed that extra fat at 41. I'll get back there it will just take altering my diet.

So if Ghost goes about it right which i'm sure he will because he has a great support cast he'll get there in two more years i think.