Allentown, PA – The Lehigh Valley phantoms are gearing up for a strong finish to the regular season and a deep Calder Cup playoff run with the addition of two promising players. Forward Alex Bump, fresh off leading Western Michigan University to its first-ever NCAA National championship in men’s hockey, has signed an amateur tryout (ATO) agreement and an NHL entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Phantoms’ parent club. Joining him is goaltender Carson bjarnason, reassigned to the phantoms by the Flyers.

Alex Bump: From NCAA Glory to Pro Aspirations

Alex Bump, 21, is riding high after a stellar sophomore season with the Western Michigan Broncos. The Flyers selected the Prior Lake, Minn. native in the fifth round, 133rd of the 2022 NHL Draft. As assistant captain, Bump spearheaded the broncos’ historic championship run, finishing the season with a team-leading 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) and ranking 13th in the entire NCAA.

Bump’s impact wasn’t limited to the regular season. He shone brightly during the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Frozen Faceoff, racking up three goals and one assist and earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. His outstanding performance earned him the NCHC Forward of the Year title and a unanimous First-Team All-NCHC selection.

Prior to his collegiate career,Bump honed his skills at Prior Lake high School,amassing an extraordinary 147 points (72 goals,75 assists) in 75 games. His senior year culminated in being named USA Today Hockey Player of the Year, a testament to his dedication and talent. He also spent two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL), playing for both the Omaha Lancers and the Tri-City Storm, where he put up 25 goals and 56 points in 75 games.

Bump’s signing highlights a growing trend in the NHL: teams investing in players with strong NCAA backgrounds. The NCAA provides a competitive surroundings where players can develop their skills while pursuing their education, offering a pathway to the pros that appeals to both players and organizations.

Carson Bjarnason: A Goaltending Prospect Joins the Ranks

Carson Bjarnason, 19, brings size and potential to the Phantoms’ goaltending corps. The 6-foot-3 netminder from Carman, Manitoba, signed his entry-level contract with the Flyers in 2023 but has yet to make his professional debut.This season, he played in 40 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), posting a 22-18-3 record with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

Bjarnason’s WHL career spans 156 games over four seasons, during which he recorded a 75-61-13 record, a 3.14 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage. His talent has also been recognized internationally, as he earned a spot on Team Canada’s roster for the 2025 World Juniors tournament, joining fellow Flyers’ draft picks Oliver Bonk and Jett Luchanko.

The Flyers selected Bjarnason in the second round (#51 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.He has previous experience playing at PPL Center, the Phantoms’ home arena, during the 2023 and 2024 Flyers vs. Rangers Rookie Series.

Bjarnason’s arrival provides the Phantoms with added depth at the goaltending position as they head into the playoffs. His experience in the WHL and on the international stage will be valuable assets as he transitions to the professional level.

Playoff Push: Phantoms aim for Calder Cup Glory

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms have clinched a playoff berth for the third consecutive season and are persistent to make a deep run in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Securing young talent like Bump and Bjarnason underscores the Flyers institution’s commitment to the Phantoms and to developing future NHL players.

the Phantoms are looking to capitalize on their playoff momentum. Post-season runs often become the crucible for promising talent.

Upcoming Games:

• Friday, April 18 (7:05 p.m. ET) – Cleveland Monsters at Phantoms. Regular Season Home Finale
• Saturday, April 19 (7:00 p.m. ET) – Lehigh valley Phantoms at Hershey Bears. End of Regular Season
• Calder Cup Playoffs – round 1,Best-of-3 series – Dates and Opponent TBD

Impact on the Phantoms and Flyers

The additions of Bump and Bjarnason aren’t just about short-term gains for the Phantoms. They reflect a broader strategy by the Philadelphia Flyers to build a strong pipeline of talent. By providing young players with opportunities to develop in the AHL, the Flyers hope to create a sustainable model for success in the NHL. This approach mirrors prosperous strategies employed by other NHL teams.The Detroit Red Wings, as an example, have historically emphasized drafting and developing players through their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

the signing of Bump could be especially impactful,offering a glimpse into the Flyers’ future offensive potential. His performance with Western Michigan mirrors the trajectory of players like Johnny Gaudreau, who similarly dominated in college before making a splash in the NHL.

The Flyers’ investment in young talent also reflects a growing trend in the NHL towards embracing youth and skill. As the game becomes faster and more offensively oriented, teams are increasingly relying on young players with exceptional skating and puck-handling abilities. This shift has led to a greater emphasis on player growth and a willingness to give young players opportunities to prove themselves at the NHL level.

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