Flyers’ 2022 draft pick Alex Bump asks for release from Vermont, will enter the transfer portal
Bumps' request comes two weeks after Vermont fired head coach Todd Woodcroft.
Alex Bump, the Flyers’ fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft, has asked for a release from Vermont and will enter the transfer portal, according to College Hockey News.
His request comes two weeks after the University of Vermont relieved head coach Todd Woodcroft of his duties and named assistant coach Steve Wielder the interim coach.
Woodcroft was the subject of an investigation by the university’s Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity involving inappropriate text messages with a student. A statement from athletic director Jeff Schulman stated Woodcroft failed to meet the expectations of conduct and that the messages “failed to maintain professional boundaries.”
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The 2023-2024 season will be Bump’s freshman year of NCAA hockey. He said his relationship with Woodcroft played a role in his commitment.
“It was just our connection,” Bump said at the beginning of July. “I think we had a good relationship. But I think that’s what matters most for college. I mean, if I’m gonna spend four years there, I think I have to have a good relationship with the coach.”
The 19-year-old played two seasons in the USHL for the Omaha Lancers and the Tri-City Storm. Last season, he scored 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in 48 games and wore the “A” for the Lancers.
Bump attended his second Flyers development camp during the first week of July. He impressed with his noticeable improvement from last season. His two goals in the scrimmage were particularly eye-opening.
”From talking to the strength guys from last year to this year he’s one of the most drastically improved players,” assistant general manager Brent Flahr said. “And you can see it. He’s just stronger on the skates. Skating still has to come a little bit, but his top end speed is fine. And he just knows how to score.”
Some of Bump’s fellow prospects from the 2022 draft were already in college. Cutter Gauthier (first round) plays for Boston College; Devin Kaplan (second round) plays for Boston University; and Hunter McDonald (sixth round) plays for Northeastern. At camp, Bump acknowledged that he hadn’t chosen a program with as big of a name but said he was determined to make the most of his experience.
“Vermont is not a top-end school,” Bump said. “So I kind of just want to play my best game, put up as many points as I can, but also just be a hard player to play against. I think that’s what’s gonna help me develop best for the next level.”