Ben Holmstrom
Image: NHL

Ben Holmstrom

Hometown:

Colorado Springs Colorado

Team:

Philadelphia Flyers

Currently Playing In:

Pro

Birthday:

1987-04-09
Position:

C

Eligible for draft:

2005
Shoots:

Right
Drafted:
Height:

6-1
Acquired:

Free agent signing, 2010
Weight:

197 lbs.
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History

2008-09: Ben Holmstrom skated in all 38 games for Massachusetts-Lowell (Hockey East) in his junior season. Holmstrom scored 6 goals with 21 assists and was -2 with 52 PMs for the fifth-place River Hawks. Four of his six goals were scored on the power play.

2009-10: Holmstrom made his pro debut with AHL Adirondack after signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the Flyers in March 2011 following his senior season at Massachusetts-Lowell. He posted 3 goals and was -2 with 9 PMs in 13 games for the Phantoms, who failed to reach the playoffs. Holmstrom posted 9 goals and 14 assists in 39 games with the River Hawks, who finished tied for third in Hockey East.

2010-11: Holmstrom had the proverbial cup of coffee with the Flyers, making his NHL debut in March and then appearing in an April game at Ottawa, while being a solid-two way forward for AHL Adirondack in his first pro season. Holmstrom was scoreless and -1 with 5 PMs in just over 18 minutes of action in the two games. Holmstrom scored 16 goals with 22 assists in 79 games with Adirondack. He had 75 PMs and was -13 for a Phantoms team that missed the AHL playoffs.

2011-12: Holmstrom  saw limited time in a handful of games for the Flyers and provided offense and physical play for Philadelphia's AHL affiliate Adirondack in his second pro season. He had no points and 2 penalty minutes, averaging under 7 minutes of ice time in five games with Philadelphia. Holmstrom led the Phantoms with 134 penalty minutes and scored 15 goals with 26 assists; finishing minus-14 in 67 games. The Phantoms were fifth in the Northeast Division and missed the AHL playoffs. Holmstrom was re-signed by the Flyers to a one-year contract as an restricted free agent in July, 2012.

2012-13: Holmstrom suffered a season-ending knee injury in December while playing for the Flyers' AHL affiliate in Adirondack. In 22 games for the Phantoms he scored 2 goals with 6 assists and was +3 with 29 penalty minutes. Adirondack missed the playoffs after finishing last in the Northeast Division. Holmstrom signed a one-year contract extension with the Flyers in March of 2013.

 

Talent Analysis

Holmstrom comes into the Flyers' organization having already been a solid force for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell since his sophomore year, putting up over 20 points in each season of over 30 games. His offensive capabilities still leave a bit to be desired, but he is an outstanding defensive forward with a good physical aspect as well as solid skating.

 

Future

Holmstrom will continue his development with the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms in 2013-14.

 

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