Flyers Mixing and Mingling With Army Cadets at West Point

Each year, the Flyers put on a preseason team-building trip, getting them out of Philly/South Jersey for a few days to work on that all-important chemistry. After last October's trip to British Columbia, the Flyers returned to the US Military Academy at West Point over the weekend, and reader Cadet Christopher Grill had the opportunity to meet a few of them in the weight room (whatever that is).

Here's what Cadet Grill had to say:

I’m here at the United States Military Academy, where the Flyers are currently having a few days of team building.  I knew they were here today and that they would be working out up at our hockey facility around 11 o’clock. I am on the wrestling team and we have a team lift each day between 11 and 12.

So imagine my surprise when, as our strength coach is running us through an hour long workout and a bunch of guys walk through the doors of our weight room.  At first I thought it was some guys from the football team, maybe coaches or recruits.  Then I see a guy with long white socks, with black and orange stripes at the top.  Another guy comes in with a orange and black jacket on.  I knew right away that the Flyers workout today turned out to be a lift, in the same weight room I was in.  I automatically couldn’t wait to finish my workout so I could go pester the Philly superstars. I quickly spread the word to a couple of the other kids on my team from the Philly area (I mean told every kid on my team how excited I was).   

My practice finally came to an end, and a few of the Flyers were leaving.  I started walking out and then got the courage to go talk to a few guys who were standing around. I went up and just said, “Hey guys, I’m from Philly…”  Mike Knuble and Mike Richards introduced themselves to me.  I had no idea what to say and remembered your conversation with them at the Phillies game and said, “We’re really looking forward to a big season.”  Knuble chuckled and told me “Yea, so are we.”  The conversation continued with them asking us a few questions about our wrestling team and our season.  I didn’t want to bother them anymore, and I was really awestruck… So I wished them luck and they thanked us for our service.

Knuble was really approachable and probably realized I was kind of in awe.  They all seemed cool, and they look to be working hard up here.  Hopefully all of this pays off on the ice this season.  Go Flyers!

Comments

[DLo34]

Good stuff. Go Flyers!