Cam York threw his stick into the stands after scoring a playoff-winning overtime goal for the Philadelphia Flyers, but the prized souvenir made its way back to him thanks to a gracious fan.
Playoff Heroics
York's overtime goal secured a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of their first-round series, propelling the Flyers to the next round for the first time since 2020. In the heat of the moment, the young defenseman launched his stick into the crowd.
“Definitely don’t want a lawsuit,” York joked after the game, expressing hope that the fan who caught the stick would return it.
“I figured even if it did hit him, that he was going to still enjoy the moment and be happy,” York said on Friday.
Fan Returns the Souvenir
Longtime Flyers supporter Jack Brod grabbed the stick near Section 113 in the lower level. Initially planning to gift it to a family friend, Brod changed his mind upon learning that York wanted it back. He graciously returned the stick and was invited to Flyers practice on Friday, where he met York.
York reflected on his impulsive act: “When my career is done and over with, I want to have some things to look back on, remember and cherish. This was obviously a special moment for me. Super nice guy. Just met him. For me to just give it back for kind of nothing, I really appreciate that. That's one of the best things about Philly fans is, they love their players and they want their players to perform at the highest level they can.”
Brod did not leave empty-handed. He received a new stick and a signed York No. 8 jersey. York plans to frame the returned stick.
The Flyers open their second-round series on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
