[Flyerskid16]

http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pr...chive/1190.asp

Hitchcock announced, rather surprisingly as there are four games left in the preseason, that two of the four have roster spots locked up.

?[Jim Vandermeer] is 23, and he plays like he?s 27,? said Hitchcock. ?He moves the puck, is physical and kills penalties. He?s here. He?s on this hockey club.?

The other is Finnish rookie Joni Pitkanen, whom Hitchcock has said has played a level above the other kids this training camp. Pitkanen has not played in a preseason game since September 20 in London, Ontario, due to a mild groin strain, but was back on the ice at the Flyers Skate Zone on Monday and should play on Tuesday night.

[Drew]

Were it my choice for picking, I would have done the same. Vandermeer's a brute out there, and Joni's a star in the making.

[Jlg-28]

cant wait to seePitkanen return to game action

[Blindside]

Ya I would have made the same choice myself... I can't see Joni and his rich deal rotting in the AHL.