Entering the Philadelphia Flyers training camp this fall on an NHL contract for the first time in his professional career, Jacob Gaucher had the opportunity to take the next step towards his childhood dream and break through to the NHL full-time.

Being in the mix for an NHL roster spot didn’t happen overnight for the 24-year-old forward but after joining the Flyers organization on an AHL contract with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and beginning his pro career in the ECHL with the Reading Royals in 2022-23, Gaucher has continued to develop and elevate his game at the pro level every season – catching the attention of Flyers GM Daniel Briere last winter.

The right-handed shooting center really put it all together last season with Lehigh Valley, culminating with his first NHL call-up and NHL debut on February 2^nd in Colorado against the Avalanche.

“It’s really a wonderful story. Someone that really never quit, kept working, kept improving and has been a late bloomer,” Briere said in February prior to Gaucher’s NHL debut, of his progression and well-earned two-year NHL contract they signed him to last December.

Gaucher finished last season with 20 goals and 18 assists in 70 games in the AHL, and the taste of the NHL he earned last season has made him even more motivated to earn more NHL time this year.

“I think it helped, playing those games last year, for my confidence – and a little experience,” Gaucher said of his NHL time last season. “Just tried to play hard, win my one-on-one battles and play my game.”

For Gaucher, playing ‘his game’ is not one that is overly flashy but straightforward and simple.

And while his play in camp and the NHL preseason might not have stood out on the highlight reel, Gaucher certainly made a good first impression with new Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet.

“Yeah, there’s something there,” Tocchet said of Gaucher, who scored the lone goal, and the way the Flyers’ fourth line played in last Thursday’s preseason loss to the Washington Capitals. “What we’re looking for is guys holding on to pucks, playing the interior and making smart plays. He’s had a couple of good shifts. He’s put some good shifts together for us the last couple games.”

Although Gaucher was among the final cuts at Flyers training camp this year on October 1^st, his strong play and impressionable performance during training camp and the preseason appear to have him high on the list of being the first forward called up when injuries arise.

“A personal goal, obviously, [is to] make this team. It would be a real honor to play for the Flyers,” Gaucher said after last Thursday’s game against the Capitals. “If not, if it’s in [AHL-Lehigh Valley] pushing for some games up here, I’ll show my game and, yeah, try to stay up here [when called upon].”

From ECHL To NHL, Gaucher’s PHPA Assistance Invaluable

Through his first three years at the professional level, Gaucher has played in the ECHL, AHL and NHL – learning just as much off the ice about all the resources available to him as a professional hockey player in the PHPA.

“Yeah, at first, I didn’t really know [much],” Gaucher admitted of turning pro and figuring things out. “Then you talk to the representatives at those meetings during the year, and I think it helped a lot.”

Having played in all three leagues in such a short time, navigating between leagues and now having a formal alliance between the PHPA and NHLPA further provides synergy for guys just like Gaucher.

“I talked to someone this summer to help me with my insurance and stuff,” Gaucher explained, adding, “Yeah, I think it’s great for the players to have. It’s been great.”

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association and National Hockey League Players’ Association announced a new strategic alliance in June that reinforces and strengthens the close relationship enjoyed by the two associations. Approximately 90% of NHLPA members have spent time as members of the PHPA while playing in the AHL or ECHL.

The formalization of this alliance – a first for the two organizations – provides for shared administrative and legal resources to ensure the best representation for all members, including in collective bargaining.