University of Maine hockey captain Steven Swavely has always been a Philadelphia Flyers fan.
Now the Reading, Pennsylvania, native will be playing in the Flyers’ organization.
Swavely signed an amateur tryout contract with the Flyers on Wednesday and will join their American Hockey League franchise, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The Phantoms are based in Allentown, which is just 50 miles from Reading.
“As a player, you couldn’t ask for anything more than to get an opportunity and to have that opportunity with the Flyers is unbelievable,” said Swavely. “One of the Phantoms’ assistant coaches is Riley Cote, and I always enjoyed watching him play for the Flyers. He was a fighter. It’s pretty surreal.
“I’m excited to get started,” added Swavely.
The Phantoms had a game in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Wednesday night and Swavely said he will have his first practice with the team on Thursday. He could make his debut on Saturday in Hartford, Connecticut, against the Wolf Pack.
Swavely was Maine’s fourth-leading scorer this season with 19 points on nine goals and 10 assists. He finished among the top five point producers on all four of his Maine teams.
He led Hockey East in faceoff wins with 504 and was second in the league in faceoff percentage at .595 (506-for-344). Only Boston College’s Austin Cangelosi (.637) was better.
Swavely led the team in game-winning goals with two and in shots on goal with 145. He was tied with Blaine Byron for most shorthanded goals as they each had two.
He was tied for second on the team in power-play assists with four and the gritty Swavely logged a ton of ice time. He played in all situations.
In addition to playing center, he also saw some time on the wing.
The 6-foot-3, 191-pound Swavely said he intends to play “my game.”
“I have to play to my strengths. I know what I have to do to get playing time in the AHL,” said the 24-year-old Swavely. “I have to play with confidence.”
“Steven has size, he can win faceoffs and he can offer some offense,” said Maine head coach Red Gendron, who coached for several years in the New Jersey Devils organization. “He would be a great checking line center iceman. He can also play wing. This is a great opportunity for him.”
Swavely said he was well-prepared by the Black Bear coaching staff for his pro career.
“They did a phenomenal job,” said Swavely. “They prepared me for this opportunity. I’ve just got to control my nerves and play my game.”
Swavely said he intends to work closely with UMaine academic counselor and tutor coordinator Crissy Kerluke to finish up his degree this spring. He is a business major who has been a three-time Maine Scholar-Athlete Award winner and three-time Hockey East All-Academic team selection.