Philadelphia Flyers 2023 NHL Draft picks, Denver Barkey unfortunately did not make the cut and Oliver Bonk will be representing the orange and black at the 2024 World Junior Championship for Team Canada.
OAKVILLE, Ontario – Canada’s selection camp wrapped up this morning, and the anticipation set in for all the young gentlemen waiting to hear if they would be wearing the red and white this winter.
Flyers prospects and current teammates Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk were two of those young men hoping to hear their names called. Giving déjà vu of the NHL Draft. Luckily, the wait is over, but only one of the two London Knights will be sporting the red Maple Leaf crest come Christmas time.
Both Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk had impressive camps after coming in with heavy hearts and a slim chance of making the team.
Denver Barkey has been playing with family in mind at camp this past week. His grandfather, Randy Legge, sadly passed away. “I got to tell him I got invited here,” Barkey said. “He was so happy for me. He’s always been so proud and supportive. He told me to go and enjoy it, take it all in, and show them what you can do.” Playing for his grandfather, wanting to prove himself to the rest of the world.
In doing so, he has caught the eye of scouts, writers, analysts, and Scott Wheeler of The Athletic. Who was very pleased with not just Barkey’s play but Bonk’s play as well during camp and the two scrimmages held against USports.
“All Denver Barkey does is outwork. All Oliver Bonk does is outsmart. And every step of the way, they’ve each done their thing together. In London. Soon, with Team Canada at the World Juniors. And someday with the Flyers,” Scott Wheeler said in a recent article covering the two Bash brothers.
Daily Faceoff Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis sees the potential in the two of them. Having watched both games closely and seeing where both Barky and Bonk excel. “If there’s one thing Oliver Bonk’s doing well, it’s drawing attackers in before poking the puck away,” Ellis reported during Wednesday’s scrimmage. He later stated Barkey was one of his standouts, surprised he didn’t make the roster.
Before today, Oliver Bonk had never been chosen to represent Team Canada at the World Juniors. A massive accomplishment for the 18-year-old. The World Juniors will be a big jump for Bonk, allowing him to showcase his skills.
Denver Barkey will head back to London with his head held high, without Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan alongside him. Despite being cut, fortunately, Barkey will be eligible to try out next year for Team Canada, but it still stings. He had a great camp and was most likely good enough to make it this year — it’s truly a numbers game.
Team Canada announced 12 forwards rather than the full 13 today, in hopes an NHLer would be loaned to the team. If there are no takers or NHL clubs are not willing to give up their young star talent, Denver Barkey may be eligible to fill that spot.
By: Dylan H. Robillard (DylanRobillard_)
brotherlypuck.com 