Greg WyshynskiMay 2, 2026, 11:27 AM ETCloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.Follow on XMultiple Authors
Cam York’s laser finish gives Flyers OT win to clinch series (1:18)Cam York scores his first career postseason goal to secure an overtime win for the Flyers over the Penguins. (1:18)
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York said he blacked out when his shot from the blue line found its way into the net in overtime, eliminating the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 on Wednesday night to give the Flyers their first playoff series win since 2020.
In this moment of euphoric celebration, York skated toward center ice then hurled his stick into the stands. It helicoptered over the glass to the fans in the lower bowl, at a not-insignificant velocity.
The stick ended up safely in the hands of Jack Brod, a lifelong Flyers fan from Bucks County, who said he was surprised to see a stick flying toward him after the game-winning goal.
“I’m just following the path of the stick and it was sort of just up there, sitting on somebody’s shoulder. I just reached my hand out and grabbed it,” Brod told WPVI after the game. “A couple of people asked to take pictures with it, knowing that, you know, we’re in Philly, I was a little bit reluctant for a second that somebody might run off with it.”
There actually was one person in the arena that night who wanted it: Cam York, who regretted tossing away the stick that produced the highlight of his hockey career.
York explained that the stick flew faster than he intended because the knob got caught inside his glove.
The “Stick Toss Celly” has become an increasingly common celebration for some of the NHL’s young offensive stars, with players such as Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils and Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens throwing their lumber into the lower bowl.
Cam York’s laser finish gives Flyers OT win to clinch series (1:18)Cam York scores his first career postseason goal to secure an overtime win for the Flyers over the Penguins. (1:18)
Cam York scores his first career postseason goal to secure an overtime win for the Flyers over the Penguins. (1:18)
Greg WyshynskiMay 2, 2026, 11:27 AM ETCloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.Follow on XMultiple Authors
You never know what might happen at a hockey game!Jack Brode, the fan who caught Cam York’s stick on Wednesday night, exchanged it today for a new one and a signed jersey. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/7TleSrvBI8
“I hope everyone is OK. Definitely don’t want a lawsuit,” York said postgame.
“Good catch,” York said when he walked out to meet Brod.
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.Follow on X
“I didn’t know what to do. I was so excited,” York said.