Rookie Tough-Guy with NHL Bloodline Added to Organization
| Lehigh Valley, PA – The Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms announced they signed forward Sawyer Boulton to a two-year AHL contract through the 2025-26 season, according to General Manager Daniel Brière. Boulton, 19, played 40 games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League in 2023-24 and appeared in 16 games throughout the postseason en route to lifting the J. Ross Robertson Cup as league champions and earning a spot in the Memorial Cup. Prior to signing with London this past October, the tough-guy forward started the season as a member of the Rochester Jr. Americans in the North American Hockey League where he registered five points (3-2=5) in 10 games. The six-foot, 210-pound native of Buffalo, NY, grew up surrounded by the game of hockey as the son of longtime former NHLer Eric Boulton (2000-2016) and older brother of Knights’ teammate Ryder Boulton. “(My father is) a big inspiration for me,” said Sawyer following his first on-ice practice at Flyers Development Camp in Vorhees, NJ on Tuesday. “Starting hockey and continuing hockey, it was always my dad—former NHL player, former tough-guy. I always find motivation and inspiration through him. The rest of my family has been a good support system getting me here all the way.” After receiving the invitation to camp from the Flyers and later signing his first professional contract, Boulton added, “It’s a big honor. I always wanted to get to this level and I’m glad it’s Philly that gave me the opportunity to be here. I’m very excited to play for this organization. This style of hockey, this group—it’s exciting.” (Photo provided by Phantoms) |
