Flyers prospects appreciate surf, sand and fans in Stone Harbor

STONE HARBOR, N.J. - Ivan Provorov lifted himself out of the water and several young fans holding a blank poster board larger than their bodies got in his way. They asked him for an autograph as he moved to the next stage of the challenge course.

Another fan asked for a photo and another asked him to sign a shirt. As the young defenseman began walking away, an adult whispered to a child, "He's going to be really good."

Provorov, the seventh overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, and more than 30 other Flyers prospects greeted fans throughout the day Tuesday as part of the team's Trial on the Isle event. The players spent the previous five days participating in the team's development camp and concluded their time together with a more laid-back itinerary.

"It's all different from skating and doing exercises at the rink," said Provorov, 19. "It's been a lot of fun just doing exercises and interacting with fans."

Another fan approached Provorov and told him she'd "been hearing your name a lot. Hope to see you soon."

In the morning, the players were split into groups for team-building activities as well as competitions in swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking at the 96th Street Beach and Yacht Club of Stone Harbor.

"There's a lot of work that needs to be done," goalie prospect Carter Hart said, "but it also shows we like to have fun and get away from the game as well."

One family approached defenseman Samuel Morin, who was drafted in the first round in 2013. The parents remembered the autograph session from three years ago when Morin gave a piece of gum to their 3-year-old son.

In the afternoon, the Flyers held a clinic for children at Stone Harbor Elementary School and Provorov, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim served as coaches. During a shooting demonstration, Konecny challenged Provorov to knock a shot off the crossbar. Provorov launched the street hockey ball onto the adjacent baseball field and cracked a smile.

Afterward, players signed autographs for about 500 fans in the school's gym for $10 per person. The money will be donated to Veterans Haven, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans in Winslow Township.

"Our mission is to win the Stanley Cup, but to do that, we need to bond and jell as a team," said Jim McCrossin, a Flyers athletic trainer who helped coordinate the events.

The day concluded with a beach volleyball tournament between players and fans at the 96th Street Beach.

pschwedelson@philly.com