Flyers' defensive prospect Shayne Gostisbehere wants to fly like Bobby Orr
When the Philadelphia Flyers selected defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, they may or may not have been privy to the fact he hopes to model his game after one of the greatest to ever play the game: Bobby Orr.
“My grandpa showed me some footage of Bobby Orr and the things he did. I said, ‘I want to try that stuff,’” Gostisbehere told CSN Philly at Philadelphia's development camp last week. “I started trying to rush the puck. He’d show me videos. I loved the way he played. I wore No. 4 when I was little because I wanted to play like him, rushing the puck, making things happen offensively. Just thought he was a great player.”
Kjell Samuelsson, the Flyers' director of player development, readily acknowledges the kid has flair: “He has offensive abilities and creativity, well, like you can’t teach that. When he comes up ice, it’s just hard to teach that.”
Gostisbehere won an NCAA Championship with Union College this past season - with MVP honors to boot - and his game was on full display during the final. Keep an eye on No. 14 in the following video:
The 21-year-old is likely a year or two away from bringing his Orr game to the NHL, but he appears ready and willing to put his full trust in the Flyers' front office in terms of his development.
“The Flyers have a plan for me,” Gostisbehere said. “I’m all ears. I’m a sponge. I want to learn every day. I just want to give myself a chance to be on this team, not for a couple games, but for long term. If it’s a year in the AHL or two years in the AHL, then that’s what it’s got to be.”
In 42 regular seasons games with Union in 2013-14, Gostisbehere scored nine goals and added 25 assists.