PHILADELPHIA, PA – While it is very difficult to determine how a player is going to turn out as a rookie in the NHL, but only 12 games into his career, James Van Riemsdyk, aka JVR, is off to a good start for the orange and black on south Broad Street.
As of November 12, 2009, Van Riemsdyk is tied for the rookie scoring race with John Tavares and Ryan O’Reilly with 14 points despite having played in six less games than Tavares and seven less than O’Reilly. There was the thought that the Flyers might do with Van Riemsdyk the way they treated sophomore Claude Giroux, which was to have him start the season in the AHL, those plans were quickly dashed when Van Riemsdyk had a strong training camp.
Today, Van Riemsdyk is one of the top rookies in the league and is making a fast impression among Flyers fans and management. While JVR might not be scoring at the pace that teammates Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are, he is tied for the team lead in assists with 11, and are one point behind both for the team lead in points.
What has been a pleasant surprise to Van Riemsdyk’s game is his ability to make a great pass. His creativity and play making ability for someone who is listed at 6’ 3”, 200 pounds, but looks bigger than his frame, is a testament to his work ethic.
The Middletown, NJ, native grew up a Rangers fan, but ever since he was drafted second overall in 2007 by the Flyers behind Chicago’s Patrick Kane, it was an easy switch for him to become a Flyers fan. Just being drafted by and NHL team is an honor in and of itself, but to be taken that high in the draft was a dream come true.
Today he is living the dream by playing with and against some of the best players in the world. It took him six games into the season to record his first NHL goal. The goal scoring was eventually going to come for him, but expectations can be a bit of a pain for younger players. The fear of being demoted is always in the back of a young players mind, but after 12 games into the season, it doesn’t look as though JVR will have to worry about that anytime soon unless it is on a rehab assignment.
The season is young, and so is Van Riemsdyk, big you have a feeling when you watch him play that you will be seeing him in an orange and black uniform for years to come. While there are still plenty of Richards and Carter jerseys walking around the Wachovia Center, you can bet sooner than later Van Riemsdyk’s jerseys will become the norm rather than the exception.
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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