There are many things one could say about Jakub Voracek’s Flyers career. It was one of ups and downs, fittingly following the team’s trends during his tenure. At his peak he was electrifying, and his worst he could be incredibly frustrating. A sometimes too selfless player, he had a keen eye for a quick pass across the ice, or off the boards, perfect for a one timer opportunity. He was one of the better players of the Claude Giroux captaincy, a.k.a. the most divisive era of Flyers hockey (however unwarranted, but let’s save that for a different time).
Voracek could be as charming as he was skilled, most notably in his “bromance” with Wayne Simmonds. In a way endearing for fans fed up with Philly media talking heads that were clueless about hockey, he didn’t hesitate to call out reporters for garbage questions, or questions irrelevant to the game.
In 1,058 games played, Jake picked up 223 goals and 583 assists for 806 points. His best year came in 2014 when he scored 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points. Voracek was often one of the players who carried the team, along with Giroux and Simmonds. Perhaps one of my most bittersweet Flyers memories was when the boys won the outdoor game at the Linc. After Wayne Simmonds scored the overtime winner he and Voracek embraced in the locker room after, maybe knowing it was their last game together, as shortly after, Simmonds was dealt on deadline to Nashville for Ryan Hartman (don’t get me started).
Sometimes Jake could be divisive, when he slowed down and became oft injured towards the end of his Flyers career and ultimately, hockey career. He could be frustrating to watch, struggling to score and being too “cute” with fancy dekes and moves in attempts to score. Despite the frustration he sometimes caused, and whether or not you’d like to admit it, Voracek does deserve his flowers as one of the better Flyers of the last 10-15 years and someone who was exciting to watch on some very underwhelming teams. Most of these teams were during the Hextall era, which seemed full of promise to start, but ended so terribly.
Mr. Voracek, cheers to you, and all the best in retirement!
By: Ryan Novalski
Photo courtesy: nhl.com
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