Nice article on "Ghost"

[Adamflyers]

This kid has me excited.  Any time I have seen him play, I have been impressed with his offense and his grit.  I hope he turns out to be a responsible blue liner as well.  Obviously, puck moving defensemen are more prone to the turn overs because the very nature of their game lends itself to that, but when a guy becomes a total liability defensively, it cancels out the offense he provides.  This article states the possibility of him playing on the Flyers blue line next year…..please don't rush this kid!

 

 

 

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - One month after Hobey Baker Award favorite Johnny Gaudreau netted three points against his team, the coach of the 10th-ranked team in college hockey sent the sport buzzing with his words.

For Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute coach Seth Appert, his press conference wasn't a shot at Gaudreau, the Boston College star from Gloucester Catholic High. It was just his opinion.

Appert couldn't help but gush about a Flyers draft pick after being torched by his Union College team twice in one weekend.

"I think Shayne Gostisbehere is the best player in the country," Appert said on Nov. 16. "We've played a pretty good schedule. But Gostisbehere is the best player we've seen this year. He's fast, tenacious and tough. He's fantastic."

 

Hyperbole? Perhaps. Even Gostisbehere, despite Union's valiant push for him to be recognized as a finalist for college hockey's Heisman, said yesterday Gaudreau "pretty much has that wrapped up already."

Recently, ESPN's John Buccigross - the "Sports Center" anchor and college hockey broadcaster - predicted Gostisbehere will quarterback the Flyers' power play next season.

That bold projection might not be all that far-fetched.

Just don't try explaining that to Gostisbehere. He's too busy soaking up every possible minute of college life in this tiny Hudson Valley town.

"I'm a normal student," said Gostisbehere (pronounced GOSS-tiss-bare). "Everyone knows everyone. It's small. It's beautiful. The academics are great. I like being the guy in the background."

Gostisbehere, 20, lives in a humongous, off-campus house with seven fellow juniors from the No. 3-ranked Dutchmen team. He describes the living situation as "not totally 'Animal House,' but along those lines."

The boys are a brisk walk from the cozy 2,225-seat Messa Rink, where a dynamic defenseman from Florida with few Division I options has helped hang the first banners in program history and put Union firmly on the college hockey map.

Hardly a day passes, though, without a teammate prodding Gostisbehere about next season.

It is no secret the Flyers will have at least one opening on the blue line next October. Andrej Meszaros is playing out the string; Kimmo Timonen may or may not be back for another campaign. And no one in the minor leagues is banging down the Wells Fargo Center door.

Can the Flyers persuade Gostisbehere to forgo his senior season?

"People say it's about time that I leave," Gostisbehere told the Daily News yesterday. "I'm focused on what my team is doing right now. Of course, it's in the back of my mind. I'll have to think about it.

"Money doesn't do anything for me. Just because there is a spot doesn't mean it's mine. You've got to work for it. I just can't step in there. I haven't even played a pro game in my life and I've barely got college figured out all the way."

Needless to say, the Flyers are keeping close tabs on their 2012 third-round pick. They invited Gostisbehere's grandfather, a Montreal native who got him involved in hockey in Florida, to a practice before their November road game against the Panthers.

Gostisbehere said the Flyers check on him at least once a week - a text from director of scouting Chris Pryor before a game or maybe a visit from player development coach Kjell Samuelsson. Last week, general manager Paul Holmgren and assistant GM Ron Hextall traveled to Cornell and Colgate to watch him play in person.

What the Flyers' top brass saw was a wildly talented blue-liner who has blossomed from a high-risk taker into a controlled offensive force. He is smooth-skating and bursting with confidence. Gostisbehere is a one-man breakout on one of the best teams in college hockey - and he is exactly the puck mover the Flyers lack.

One game at Penn State this season, he posted 12 shots on goal and scored twice on the power play in a span of 3 minutes. His overall numbers aren't mind-blowing, but he is more controlled.

"When I first got here, coach [Rick Bennett] would call me 'Renegade' since I would just join the rush every time," Gostisbehere said. "But I've learned to pick my spots, when to go and when not to go. I'm maturing, focusing on where I am without the puck. I'm definitely reliable in the defensive zone. I think that's overlooked a lot of the time, since I'm described as an offensive defenseman - they think I don't care about the defensive zone."

Gostisbehere, listed at 5-11 and 160 pounds, is a near clone of Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug, the undrafted Michigan State product, in both stature and style. Their college statistics are very similar. After 63 games in the AHL, Krug scored four goals in 15 Stanley Cup playoff games for the Bruins in 2012-13. He has 32 points in 57 NHL games this year - and could well be a finalist for rookie of the year.

Krug never made it back to Michigan State for a senior season. There are four games left before the NCAA tournament, meaning soon Gostisbehere will have to make the same choice.

Pryor said the Flyers will do "what's best for Shayne's development," but that decision is really up to Gostisbehere.

The Flyers didn't approach him last season, and Gostisbehere said he knew he wasn't ready to make the enormous jump. This year, though, sounds different.

"It will definitely be tough," Gostisbehere said. "It's a gut feeling. It's a family decision, too. My mom definitely wants that diploma. If I had to leave this place, it would be hard. I don't want to be that guy that has to hurt people like that. But at the end of the day, I need to make the best decision for my development."

Either way, Gostisbehere would like at least one trip to Philadelphia in a few weeks - for the Frozen Four - where he can skate his case for all to see.

 

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20140221_Gostisbehere_a_name_for_Flyers_fans_to_remember.html#bVrwgHyfoyh60SHq.99

[flyercanuck]

@Adamflyers

 

 He sounds like a heck of a player...but....is he really STILL only 160? That's scary for a 20 year old defenceman. I thought he was up around 175?

[Adamflyers]

@Adamflyers

 

 He sounds like a heck of a player...but....is he really STILL only 160? That's scary for a 20 year old defenceman. I thought he was up around 175?

I know, thats the biggest knock I have against him right now.  I worry about him digging for the puck in the corners and losing those battles.  Let's hope he can put on about 15 more lbs.

[flyercanuck]

@Adamflyers

 

 I can't see a defenceman playing at that weight. A forward can get by, but a 160 lb defenceman would get eaten alive in front of the net. I'm sure I heard or read somewhere he was around 175.

[jammer2]

@Adamflyers  I'm gonna have to watch out for that Frozen Four championship series, it would be great to see him play a few games. I know from previous years my cable sports package carries it, so Union College games, here I come!!

[jammer2]

@Adamflyers

 

 He sounds like a heck of a player...but....is he really STILL only 160? That's scary for a 20 year old defenceman. I thought he was up around 175?

 

 I gotta admit, this is the first time a I've heard a 160 lb'er described as tough. Regardless of size, I love the fact he has a mean streak....looks like he might play the game hard, a trait which will no doubt endear him to the Flyer faithful.

[OccamsRazor]

I thought he was up around 175?

 

He is but still on the smallish size for the NHL but isn't far off from Erik Karlsson's size.

 

To not be selfish he should go back to college and get even some more size on.

 

In a perfect world that is what should happen. In a Flyer world were they can't find any real help any other way they will be forced to force him to sign, but whatever they do he should get some games in the A before he is thrust into the lineup but you've been a Flyer fan long enough to know what is going to happen.

 

The good thing is his upside is compared to Karlsson the bad thing is he could very well not reach that potential because he was rushed and handed to much too soon.

[flyercanuck]

@OccamsRazor

 

 175 is fine...maybe he even adds 5-10 more over the next couple of years. Pair him with a big physical guy (Morin eventually?)

[OccamsRazor]

 I gotta admit, this is the first time a I've heard a 160 lb'er described as tough

 

Well in this clip he is #14 and the first part he channels keystone kop Brydon Coburn with he not so great puck handling and in the 2nd part he channels GrossmanN with his shot blocking ability....

 

 

But he will soon be wearing the Orange and Black...

[OccamsRazor]

@OccamsRazor

 

 175 is fine...maybe he even adds 5-10 more over the next couple of years. Pair him with a big physical guy (Morin eventually?)

 

 

Yes i think he is progressing just fine. He scored a goal and an asssit in the win verse Clarson friday night...they have 9 more games before the playoffs start.

 

We can use someone from the point who can get a shot through!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

MORE, MORE, WE WANT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited February 23, 2014 by OccamsRazor

[flyercanuck]

I knew he had a shot.....nice redemption after messing up!

[jammer2]

@OccamsRazor  Yeah, he put all 160 into that rocket....LOL!  How great would it be to *finally* see the Flyers hit pay dirt on a 3rd rounder!!  You would have thought that it would have come long before now, using the blind squirrel theory alone. It's one thing for a 3rd rounder to play, quite another to see one develop into a top 4 d-man, which Ghost projects to be!!

[OccamsRazor]

It's one thing for a 3rd rounder to play, quite another to see one develop into a top 4 d-man, which Ghost projects to be!!

 

Yeah he'll just need a BIG bruiser to play with someone to protect him and hopefully they can develop some chemistry. Like a Morin or even maybe Luke Schenn but i'd start with Morin first. Flyers sorely miss having a puck mover like him.

 

Streit is ok but man he gets caught pinching to much for me, then he struggles getting back and then when he does he still doesn't even seem to know what he should be doing....and to pay 5.25 mill for that man i wish they would have just kept Carle.

 

Schenn and Gus may stay together they have looked good lately.

[flyercanuck]

@jammer2

 

 Obviously the comparison to Ryan Ellis is there...size-wise, rocket of a shot. Ellis was a phenominal junior, but size has made it a very difficult transition to the NHL. At 23 he's still a work in progress.

[OccamsRazor]

@jammer2

 

 Obviously the comparison to Ryan Ellis is there...size-wise, rocket of a shot. Ellis was a phenominal junior, but size has made it a very difficult transition to the NHL. At 23 he's still a work in progress.

 

 

Yes i've also heard comparisons as a shorter version of Cam Fowler to....but really shorter??

 

Well were talking about 2 inches....but none the less lets just Homer holds onto him so we can find out....

[OccamsRazor]

 Obviously the comparison to Ryan Ellis is there...size-wise, rocket of a shot

 

Also the sadder part of this is ALL OF THEIR hopes lay in this guy's lap because they have noone..i mean noone in the farm that even comes close to this guys skill set seems like every other Dman in they farm system is a stay at home type.....it's like they can't find any puck movers. So that is a lot of pressure on this young kid.

 

That is why i was asking about Ryan O'Connor and what you thought of his game he seems like a physical Krug type but you're more familiar with him but there may be a reason he is in the Swiss league for a reason.

Edited February 23, 2014 by OccamsRazor

[flyercanuck]

@OccamsRazor

 

 All they have to do is stop throwing away 2nd  and 3rd round picks (and 1sts for that matter) and use the odd one on D. For every Doughty taken 2nd overall there are plenty of good defencemen taken way later than that. Just stop trading those picks away for rentals every trade deadline.

[jammer2]

@flyercanuck  There was one key element of Ryan Ellis's game that did not make the transition to the pros, that being his ability to shield the puck with his body. He used this to his advantage constantly in Windsor, but the bigger bodies in the pros just knock you off the puck if you try to shield to much. Also, Ryan broke his wrist in his last year in Windsor and the scary velocity on his slap shot was never the same. It lost about 10mph after the wrist snapped.

[OccamsRazor]

@OccamsRazor

 

 All they have to do is stop throwing away 2nd  and 3rd round picks (and 1sts for that matter) and use the odd one on D. For every Doughty taken 2nd overall there are plenty of good defencemen taken way later than that. Just stop trading those picks away for rentals every trade deadline.

 

 

I agree.

 

I guess first things first they must be sure they have the right scouts so they can do something with the picks once they keep them.

 

Stock pile the talent (it seems this last draft they finally get it..it seems) they can be traded later if need be Dmen and Goalies in the league are worth their weight in gold....just ask Homer.

[OccamsRazor]

This kid has me excited.

 

http://www.broadstreethockey.com/flyers-top-25-under-25/2014/2/22/5431840/philadelphia-flyers-midterm-top-25-under-25-no-5-shayne-gostisbehere

 

Philadelphia Flyers Midterm Top 25 Under 25, No. 5: Shayne Gostisbehere

 

Position: Defense

Birthdate: April 20, 1993 (age 20)
Acquired via: 2012 NHL Draft - Round 3, Pick 78
Current Team/League: Union College, ECAC (NCAA)

Nationality: American (Margate, Fla.)

Size: 5'11", 170
Contract: None

 

When the Philadelphia Flyers drafted a small but skilled defenseman in the third round in 2012, it didn't get much reaction one way or the other. In just over a year and a half however, Shayne Gostisbehere is a case study for drafting "flawed" players with a high ceiling over safer players with limited upside. He is the antithesis of what the Flyers did in 2013 in the third round with Tyrell Goulbourne. Gostisbehere is rewarding the Flyers for taking the chance on him.

The Flyers selected the 5'11", 160 pound Gostisbehere after his freshman year at Union College in which he managed five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 41 games. However, as Bill Meltzer wrote for the Flyers, 13 of those points came in the last 16 games. Union also reached the Frozen Four for the first time in history in Ghost's freshman year where he was selected to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team.

During his sophomore campaign he improved upon his numbers to the tune of eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points in 36 games. Additionally, Gostisbehere was a key member of the 2012 Under-20 USA World Junior Championship team that won Gold.

The improvement has continued into his junior season. So far Gostisbehere has garnered eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 31 games as the recognition has really started to pour in. ESPN's John Buccigross is certainly a fan.

Additionally, the talk started that perhaps Gostisbehere was not just a good player, but maybe the best player in all of college hockey. There's some legitimacy there as he finds himself on the fan ballot for the Hobey Baker Award for the top NCAA men's ice hockey player in the nation where he leads all 68 nominees in voting at the moment.

While Gostisbehere has seemingly put on some weight, now being listed at 170 pounds, he is still a very slight defenseman. Therefore he has to rely on his exceptional skating, speed, and offensive instincts.

From the same Bill Meltzer article mentioned earlier:

In his early years of playing, Gostisbehere was a forward. He idolized high-scoring winger Pavel Bure, who scored 58-plus goals in back-to-back seasons as a member of the 

Panthers

. Before long, however, Gostisbehere switched positions.

"One of my skating coaches was like, 'try defense but still be offensive', and I stuck with it ever since. I love it, I'm offensive but I like playing defense, too. I love jumping up to the play, and I feel like I'm always the fourth forward up there," said Gostisbehere.

As if you weren't already intrigued enough by the fact that Ghost Bear™ seems to excel at, well, everything the current Flyers defense corps lacks, let's reinforce it a bit more.Anthony San Filippo wrote:

Gostisbehere is a smart, puck-moving defenseman who sees the ice remarkably well. But what sets him apart from many collegiate rookie defensemen is his ability to balance great offensive skills with a solid defensive game. Gostisbehere is smart in knowing when to jump into plays and his decision-making is very good. He moves exceedingly well with the puck and his passing skills are excellent. Gostisbehere also possesses a great stick and does a good job of taking away lanes. While Gostisbehere's one-on-one coverage is good, he'll need to continue to improve his gap control. Gostisbehere is a superb skater with good speed and agility. He possesses a very good shot and can get pucks to the net. Gostisbehere's greatest attributes, such as his skating will be further enhanced with continued physical development.

Chris Dilks of SBNation College Hockey wrote a few weeks ago how Gostisbehere averages (or, at least, averaged at the time) 4.78 shots a game! That's good for fifth best in the entire country and the best among defenseman. That's over 1.25 shots better than the next best rearguard.

Gostisbehere's skating lived up to all the praise I had heard about it coming into the game. He's got good straight-line speed, and moves laterally well. But what really separates his skating from others is his ability to accelerate in the first couple of steps. Because he has that ability, Gostisbehere uses pass fakes and shot fakes more effectively than any player I've seen in college hockey. Most of his opportunities in the offensive zone came as a result of faking a slap shot at the point to freeze his defender, then using his acceleration to wheel around that player for a better opportunity.

The future is bright for Shayne Gostisbehere, and he could play in any number of places in 2014-2015. Some, like Buccigross, seem to think he can make the Flyers next season. He also has the option of returning to Union for his senior season, or leaving school and joining the Phantoms. Personally, I think he's still too slight to make the NHL just yet.

However, just yesterday Frank Seravalli wrote that perhaps there is a chance he will be wearing orange and black next season.

The Flyers didn't approach him last season, and Gostisbehere said he knew he wasn't ready to make the enormous jump. This year, though, sounds different.

"It will definitely be tough," Gostisbehere said. "It's a gut feeling. It's a family decision, too. My mom definitely wants that diploma. If I had to leave this place, it would be hard. I don't want to be that guy that has to hurt people like that. But at the end of the day, I need to make the best decision for my development."

There's a lot to be excited about as Gostisbehere brings a level of skill, speed, and dynamic play that the current Flyers defense sorely lacks. Plus, I'm not sure a greater nickname has ever existed in the history of nicknames than "Ghost Bear".

John Buccigross        ✔ @Buccigross

Checking out one of the more dynamic d men in #cawlidgehawkey, Union's Shayne Gostisbehere. pic.twitter.com/ry5JB2muLQ

Flyers fans, if U live within 90 min of Schenectady, NY, U should go watch Shayne Gostisbehere play D for Union. Will run your PP next year

In the last 6 games Gostisbehere has 5 goals/3 assists. 1 man breakout. End to end rushes. 1 of the most dynamic players in #cawlidgehawkey

 

3 tweets about Ghost for Buccigross........

[brelic]

Very promising indeed! Ghost is 5'11", 170lbs, and Karlsson is 6'0", 175lbs, so much too much difference.

Gus is listed at 185lbs, but is only 5'10". You can always put on weight, but you will stop growing. Height is more of a limiting factor than weight (Marty St. Louis notwithstanding).

With Gus and Ghost back there, we'll start to look like the vertically-challenged Habs.