IIHF Worlds, Flyers Daily and More

The Flyers blogs on Hockey Hot Stove are powered by Phans of Philly, Lights On Electric, Liberty Valuation Group, New Balance of Mount Laurel,The Mens and Boys Store and Carl’s Cards and Collectibles. Welcome aboard our new sponsor, Team Toyota.

Team Canada nailed down first place in Group B round robin play at the 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland. They went undefeated in six games (five regulation wins plus one overtime victory) and a 30-11 goal margin. On Sunday, Canada breezed to a 5-1 victory over Slovakia. For the second straight game, however, Flyers winger Porter Martone played very sparingly (7:32 across 10 shifts).

Meanwhile, Team Sweden has Monday off after their upset loss to Norway. Through five games, Flyers prospect Jack Berglund (0g, 4a) has four points in the tournament. Carl Grundstrom has a goal and two assists. In the Norway game, Ivar Stenberg scored on a Berglund power play rebound to temporarily tie the game at 1-1.

Flyers Daily: Mondays with Meltzer

On the Memorial Day version of Mondays with Meltzer on Flyers Daily, Jason Myrtetus and I discussed the possible contract extensions of Zegras, Drysdale and Vlader. Plus a look at offer sheet options. In the broad picture, what type of team identity are the Flyers working to build?

Team Toyota Spotlight: Alex Bump

In his first full professional season in 2025-26, Western Michigan product Alex Bump overcame a slow start in NHL training camp and the American Hockey League. As Bump found a groove he was set back by injury. Finally, he made his NHL debut in the latter part of the campaign. Offensively, Bump chipped in nine regular season points (5g, 4a) before dressing in six NHL playoff games (two goals).

“It was kind of a roller coaster,” he said, but feels he will ultimately benefit from the adversity as well as the successes.

Bump consistently shows a willingness to get to the scoring areas and shoot the puck. He’s still working on aspects of his 200-foot game and gaining more explosiveness: two main goals in preparing for next season.

I want to put on good weight, get faster, just get those first three steps a little quicker. I think my skill is all good. I think it’s just more physical (development),” Bump said.

Philadelphia Flyers forward prospect Alex Bump is currently recovering from an MCL sprain suffered during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Team general manager Danny Briere officially confirmed the knee injury as part of the postseason medical report. Bump will not require surgery.

Cold War in Philly Countdown: Two Days

Just days remain until the exclusive world premiere of the Cold War in Philly documentary at the Suzanne Roberts Theater in Philadelphia on May 27. VIP tickets with pre-show and post-event access are almost sold out. Premier Access tickets ($75) remain. The package includes:

Reserved Seating
Alumni Panel Q&A
Commemorative Program
Cold War In Philly Gift Bag

The late Ed Van Impe — who wore No. 2 during his Flyers’ career — was an original Flyer and the second captain in franchise history. The Flyers selected the rugged blueliner from the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1967 Expansion Draft. Van Impe served as captain from 1968-69 through midseason 1972-73, when he ceded the role to young superstar Bobby Clarke.

Van Impe remained a team leader after his captaincy. The three-time NHL All-Star Game selection was a mainstay on the Broad Street Bullies teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. In 1975-76, the Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year.

On January 11, 1976, Van Impe played a central role in the Flyers’ historic 4-1 victory over the Red Army team at the Spectrum. Late in the first period, Van Impe exited the penalty box and delivered the “hit heard around the world” on Russian star Valeri Kharlamov in open ice. The Red Army pulled their team off the ice, arguing that Van Impe deliberately elbowed Kharlamov. Referee Lloyd Gilmour did not call a penalty.

After a 15-minute delay, the Russian team returned to the ice. The Flyers dominated the rest of the game, scoring four unanswered goals on the legendary Vladislav Tretiak.

After his playing days, Van Impe became a television commentator on Flyers’ broadcasts. Off the ice, he was a devoted husband and father with scores of friends. Along with old friend and teammate Joe Watson, Van Impe was one of the leaders in forming the Flyers Alumni Association in 1984.

Save the Date: June 10, 2026

On June 10, 2026, our sponsors at New Balance of Mount Laurel will host a very special night with Flyers, Phantoms and Phillies Alumni. All proceeds raised support the community and Charity programs of the Flyers Alumni Alumni Association. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. EDT.

List of scheduled attendees (subject to change): Mark Howe, Mark Recchi, Bill Barber, Bob Kelly, Joe Watson, Bob Kelly, Lou Nolan, Tommy Greene, Frank “the Animal” Bialowas.
Food and refreshments.
Sponsor information onsite.
Price of admission: one non-perishable food item (for donation to Philabundance). Free photo opps and autographs.

Flyers Hall of Fame private signing: The LCB Line

If you want to get an item autographed by the members of the Flyers’ famed LCB Line — Bob Clarke, Bill Barber and Reggie Leach — now is the time. Carl’s Cards and Collectibles of Havertown, PA, is doing special private signing events with the three as well as fellow Cup team Alum Terry Crisp. Items for Barber, Leach and Crisp need to be dropped off at Carl’s by May 25. Items for Clarke to sign are due by June 24.

For autograph tickets and additional information, click here.