Philadelphia- Before the inaguaral season in the OTHLs bright future the Philadelphia Flyers have drastically changed the face of the league. After taking the reins from long time GM Bobby Clarke who built a winner but was unable to take the Broad Street Bullies to the top, youngster Mitch Gelz has opened eyes across the hockey world. After completing a blockbuster with New Jersey that saw him add depth to what was arguably the leagues deepest team Gelz pulled the trigger on an absolute stunner today. Gelz has shown early in this season an ability that many have lacked in Philly before him, the ability to take chances to improve the team regardless of media backlash or outcry. Today Philadelphia said goodbye to long time stalwarts Jeremy Roenick and Mark Recchi as well as Sami Kapanen, Robert Esche and Donald Brashear. In return they landed rising start goaltender Andrew Raycroft, stud infant center Patrice Bergeron and proven veteran goal scorer in Bryan Rolston. Throw in gritty winger Martin Lapointe and a 2nd rounder this year and you have all the makings of this leagues biggest deal. Gelz topped a deal that was this seasons early blockbuster. It is apparent he has severly altered the face of his squad but has gotten younger, cheaper and possibly deeper. With the Ability to run lines that at this point in the early season shape up like the looks of the beast in the east:
LW C RW
Rolston Primeau Amonte
Leclair Handzus Gionta
Friesen Madden Radivojevic
Somik Bergeron Lapointe
D 1. Jonsson Rafalski
2. Desjardins Pitkanen
3. Ragnarsson Timander
Malakhov
G. Raycroft
Burke
It seems the Flyers have the ability to Ice a lineup that could contend with that of any team in the league. The question will remains does Gelz have another few plays up his sleeve or his he satisfied to stand pat and ice a team young enough and skilled enough to compete today and for years to come.
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