Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jon-Randall Avon is living out a hockey dream

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jon-Randall Avon got to live out every junior hockey kid’s dream this spring: hoisting the Ontario Hockey League’s J. Ross Robertson Cup with his hometown team.

Avon was born in Peterborough, Ontario, and grew up a Petes fan. So winning a championship with his favorite team meant everything to him.

“There are honestly no words to describe the feeling,” Avon said. “I haven’t really won anything my whole life. It was special to do that with a really close buddy of mine, Chase Stillman. We grew up together; it was an unreal feeling to hoist that trophy in front of my friends and family.”

That was one major milestone ticked off his list. But on Thursday, with Peterbourgh’s season on the line at the Memorial Cup, he scored the game-winning goal against the Kamloops Blazers to advance to Friday’s semifinal against the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“I blacked out, I was trying to celebrate, and Sam Mayer jumped on me, and I don’t even remember what happened,” he said, still in disbelief he scored the overtime winner. “It’s a surreal feeling, being a local kid, and it means so much to me. It’s crazy to think a Peterborough boy scored the goal to send us to the Semi Final in the Memorial Cup.”

It was an incredible moment, giving the Petes life in the biggest moment of his career. Avon, a 19-year-old that the Flyers signed as an undrafted prospect in 2021, was far from a sure bet to become an impact player after a weak rookie season and a lost sophomore campaign. But ever since, Avon has been absolutely dynamite. And now he’s scoring goals when the Petes need it most.

A big influence on Avon’s career is 1994 Stanley Cup champion Steve Larmer. The defensive forward hails from Peterborough and happens to be Avon’s stepfather. Avon credits Larmer as a big reason why Avon has managed to handle difficult situations so effectively.

“It’s really nice to go home and have that NHL experience and be able to shoot questions at him,” Avon said. “He is a great listener and always gives me feedback; even when I am down and don’t think I’m playing the greatest, he is there. It’s great to have him in my corner.”

The 19-year-old notched 29 goals and 60 points this past season with the Petes, slightly off from his 68-point campaign a year ago. But for Avon, it’s more about scoring.

“I really wasn’t too focused on finding the scoresheet this year,” Avon said, with a smile. “When the Flyers signed me, and they just wanted me to work on the little details that can get me to the pro level. I just tried to focus on the intangibles, and the points just kind of came with that, so that was nice.”

If you have ever watched Avon on the ice, you will be blown away by his speed. It’s like he hits Mach-9 and flies down the ice like an X-43 Jet. Arguably, he could be the fastest skater in the entire Canadian Hockey League. He will burn you and make you pay if you let him get to top speed.

“I don’t know where it comes from; I guess I have always been a speedster growing up, so it’s a nice little tool to have in my back pocket,” Avon said.

His favorite player? Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor. People say we play a lot alike with our speed, and I try to model my game after him.”

Avon will now look to help the Petes win the semifinal contest and advance to the championship game on Sunday. With the way he’s been playing, you can’t count out Peterborough by any means. Flyers fans have been keeping a close eye on Avon, and most have been impressed.

But could you imagine him scoring another big goal to close things out? Avon hopes its possible, and just like his dream of representing his home team all those years ago, he wants to make it happen.