Friedman Continues Development In Lehigh Valley

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania -- The Lehigh Valley Phantoms have turned the page on last season, and with a largely new group of players on the Philadelphia Flyers' AHL affiliate to go along with new management and a new NHL coaching staff even returning players like defenseman Mark Friedman see the 2019-20 season as an opportunity for a fresh start.

"Yeah, you have to look at it that way I think," Friedman told Inside AHL Hockey Wednesday. " A fresh start. You have to make a good first impression on everybody - not just the coaches. The new guys here as well."

Through all the turmoil and changes during the season last year, Friedman managed to make his NHL debut with the Flyers in their season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Fast forward to this season, and the goal for Friedman is simple - continue getting better every day while in the AHL and make the most of his next chance when the NHL opportunity presents itself.

And after a conversation with GM Chuck Fletcher earlier this fall, Friedman headed to Lehigh Valley knowing what he needs to do.

"He's very straight up and honest, which is what it should be," Friedman said of Fletcher. "We had a good conversation about this year and how it should play out if I just play the way I did last year and continue to get better."

Friedman is excited to be part of a revamped blue line in Lehigh Valley this season that boasts newcomers Chris Bigras, Nate Prosser and Tyler Wotherspoon as well as returning defenders T.J. Brennan, James de Haas, Phil Myers and Reece Willcox.

"We have a great D-core for sure," Friedman said, adding, "A couple young guys including myself and Myers and you got the older guys. We've got a great mix - some skill, some speed, good defending. It will be definitely be a fun years for the guys on the back end for sure."

It's worth mentioning that Friedman had offseason surgery just over a month before the Flyers opened NHL training camp. All things considered, Friedman told Inside AHL Hockey he was very happy with how everything went.

It's also worth reminding everyone that Friedman likes to play an abrasive style of hockey that makes him very hard - and annoying - to play against. Luckily for him, the Phantoms play their rivals Hershey and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton a combined 24 times this season. There's plenty of opportunity to draw the ire of the opposition.

"I certainly bring a little extra for when we play the rivals," Friedman admitted. "I love playing Wilkes and Hershey - I got a couple guys coming after me every other shift. It's fun. It keeps a chip on my shoulder and keeps my head up and on a swivel. That's when I thrive. I like playing teams that try to get under my skin as well."

Another intriguing aspect of Friedman's game is his ability to not only irritate his opponents, but draw penalties - and power plays - for his team.

Last year, Friedman was far and away the team's leader in penalties drawn. Can he draw even more this season?

"I don't know if it's possible," Friedman laughed. "We'll see. It's definitely part of my game - I like to get under my opponents skin whether it's taking a little shot or giving a little shot after the whistle then I'll do that just to get in someone's face. Hopefully, the refs haven't caught on yet."

At the end of the day, the blueliner is taking a simple approach as he begins his third pro season. A sign he's matured as a player and a person.

"You can never stop learning. I want to soak everything up like a sponge from the older guys and the coaches. Just learn every day. Learn something new every day and be the best I can be."