Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Flyers have found a consistent and effective line in Noah Cates, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink. Despite the team's recent struggles, with an 0-3-0 record over the past week dropping them to 14-15-4 for the season, this line has been a standout in December. The Flyers have posted a 2-5-1 record overall this month.

The success of the Cates line is attributed to their effective forechecking and connected style of play. They maintain strong puck support, keep their feet moving, avoid overstaying shifts, and stay on the right side of the puck. Head coach John Tortorella has kept this line intact amid other changes due to its performance.

"That was our one line that was going throughout the game," Tortorella said after a loss to Detroit, highlighting their ability to push play into the opponent's end without forcing low-percentage plays.

Noah Cates has shown improvement with four goals and nine points on the season, including four points in his last five games. Tyson Foerster, despite being challenged by Tortorella to refine his game and reduce penalties, has also been performing well with eight goals and 14 points on the season. He recorded two goals against Los Angeles and has five points in his last five games.

Bobby Brink has received praise from Tortorella for his recent play after previous criticisms. "He didn't know how to spell 'checking' last year," Tortorella remarked about Brink's defensive improvements. Brink now boasts four goals and ten assists for the season and is part of the top power play unit.

In addition to their on-ice performance, the Flyers Alumni Association continues its annual "12 Days of Christmas" program. This initiative donates money or volunteer time each day for at least twelve days during the holiday season to local charities or individuals in need.

This year, they have assisted four local families: two military families and two involved with Snider Hockey. A $5,000 donation was made to Hope for Hallie by Flyers Alumni president Brad Marsh and co-founder Joe Watson at an event earlier this week. The charity was founded by Kevin and Chrissie Jackson in memory of their daughter Hallie.

"We lost our beautiful 16-year-old daughter, Hallie, to suicide back in 2019," Kevin Jackson said. Hope for Hallie connects struggling youths with therapy resources.

The program also supports causes important to Flyers Alumni members such as stroke awareness initiatives led by Brian Propp or Bill Clement's work with Arc of Haywood County.

The Flyers Alumni website provides updates on each day's activities during "12 Days of Christmas."