Storyline: Nobody could have predicted that Shayne Gostisbehere, “The Ghost Bear,” would make such an impact on the Flyers and NHL … and as quickly as he has.
Who has had the biggest contribution for the Flyers organization right now? Some would say Claude Giroux or Michal Neuvirth. For me the answer is rookie defenseman, Shayne Gostisbehere, “The Ghost Bear.”
The Ghost Bear is lighting up the goal lamp and making the Wells Fargo Center erupt. The rookie out of Union College has shown everyone that he has what it takes to compete in the NHL.
Courtsey: letsgoflyers.net
On November 16, 2015 the Flyers called up hopeful defenseman, Shayne Gostisbehere, from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In his first game with the Orange and Black Ghost ‘The Bear” recorded a point against the Carolina Hurricanes–an assist on a goal scored by Wayne Simmonds. Three days later he scored his first ever in the NHL against Jonathan Quick, an elite goaltender in the League.
Today, “The Bear” is a top defenseman in the league. He’s 22 years of age and playing like a veteran.
Shayne recently did what no rookie defenseman has ever done: he held a point streak lasting 15 consecutive games and became the only NHL rookie to score four OT goals in a season. That point streak was the longest by any defenseman in League history.
Now that he’s playing like a superstar, he’s gaining the attention of a superstar. The Ghost Bear has become a favorite for many hockey fans. In a recent poll (NBC Sports Network) 68% of voters voted for Gostisbehere to win the Calder Trophy. That’s 46% more than the person in second place, Chicago’s Artemi Panarin.
Courtesy: thescore.com
Fans are even taking his Ghost Bear nickname to the next level. One fan bought a jersey with a ghost and a bear on the name plate to replace his name. There are t-shirts, hats, and everything else you can think of. Flyers fans go crazy when they hear announcer, Lou Nolan, belt out “Shayyyynnee Gostisbehereeeeee” over the Wells Fargo Center speakers.
Most important is this: Shayne Gostisbehere is the answer to Flyers fans’ prayers. Nobody could have predicted that he’d make such an impact–and as quickly as he has. In a recent interview, Shayne said all he wants to do is win a Stanley Cup in Philadelphia.
Well, that’s what every Flyers fan wants as well. With Shayne on the roster it’s quite possible that it could happen.
The Ghost Bear is the next star in the sky of Philadelphia. Go Flyers!
