The Phantoms Are Hoping For a Better Season

The Philadelphia Phantoms recently had a Fan Fest to give the fans an opportunity to meet the new head coach Craig Berube as well as a few of the players. Even though seats for sale were marked off there was very little salesmanship going on and instead the fans were bringing in some jerseys and programs to get autographed.

The Phantoms have one of the most loyal fan bases in the league and it looked like season ticket sales were going strong. Flash bulbs were popping and the sharpies were out in full force. This was the first step for many of us in attendance to experience some hockey in the off-season. Having a legend like Bernie Parent signing added to the excitement.

Just like getting an extra dose of air in my lungs hockey was back! It had been a few months and now the season is getting closer but there was a lot of uncertainty coming out of the Phantoms camp. Berube is in his first season as coach and right now, he does not know what his team will be like. Sure there are a few players that will be back but the Flyers system is deep and a lot of players have a legitimate chance of making the big club.

"It's tough to say with camp's what's going to happen with the Flyers, it's hard to say," said Berube. "It's hard to say who is where and what's going on. Everybody has a chance at the Flyers so we wait and see what happens."

When rookie camp opens next Wednesday first-rounder's Claude Giroux and Steve Downie will participate with Ryan Potulny, Stefan Ruzicka, Alexandre Picard and Ben Eager to name a few. Most of these prospects will play for the Phantoms this season and one or two might make the big club.

"I think Ben Eager is going to be with the Flyers, I hope he does anyhow. Like I said you gotta wait and see what happens up top," he said.

The Phantoms are looking to recapture the form that saw them win the Calder Cup in 2005. They have a very talented goaltender in Martin Houle and he could help bring this team back to prominence just like Antero Niittymaki did a few years ago. The St. Hubert, PQ native had a terrific second half of the season and he ended up as one of the best statistical netminders in the AHL.

"He (Houle) was solid at the end of the year last year so I am looking forward him to keep it on going and getting better. He became the #1 goalie last year."

Besides his play, he can bring the heat as he had a very memorable fight last year as well.

"I think he enjoyed that more than stopping the puck," joked his new coach.

Berube is hoping to have a successful first season as a head coach and his experience as a player should certainly help him.

"I think you have to look at your team first and then make goals for your team," he said cautiously. "The Flyers organization has a lot of good players signed so it should be pretty good. I think last year we had a hard working hard playing team that lacked scoring and I think hopefully we can take care of that this year."

It remains to be seen where this team ends up but it should certainly be entertaining with Berube strolling the bench. Many observers are curious if head coach Berube will mold the Phantoms and how that will affect their development in the system.