Just five days after being drafted by the Flyers, fourth-round selection Zayde Wisdom already has himself an entry-level contract. The team announced the signing via Twitter Monday afternoon.
Done deal!
We’ve signed 4th round 2020 #NHLDraft pick Zayde Wisdom to an entry-level contact. https://t.co/Gbzl5CGcXU
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 12, 2020
Wisdom, 18, is coming off an impressive 2019-20 season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League, collecting 29 goals and 59 points in 62 games while playing on a line with 16-year-old phenom Shane Wright.
Following his stellar campaign, he was presented with the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, which is given to the draft prospect “who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.”
Wisdom’s road to the NHL wasn’t an easy one. Growing up with very little money, he and his family frequently made trips to the local food bank and often lived without electricity. Playing a sport as expensive as hockey, his mother had to work three jobs at once in order to give him the opportunity to continue playing. Seeing how much his mother sacrificed, Wisdom made it his mission to make the hardships worth it.
Success wasn’t an option for Wisdom. To help provide for his family, he knew getting drafted into the NHL was a necessity.
“I look it as a need, not a want,” Wisdom told The Athletic. “I need to get drafted. That’s what I need to do. This isn’t an option for me. It needs to happen because I need to be able to help my mom out and get through this with my family. It’s one word to sum it up. Need.”
The journey may have been difficult, but it’s paid off for Wisdom. He’s officially under contract with an NHL franchise, and if you ask former Flyer Wayne Simmonds, it won’t be long before Philadelphia embraces him as a fan favorite.
Flyers nation is going to have a new fan favorite !!!!!!! https://t.co/vGNEqhMsZI
— Wayne Simmonds (@Simmonds17) October 7, 2020
Congrats, Zayde. You made it.
