Flyers forward Matvei Michkov went from sporting a Phillies ball cap and talking of his desire to see a Phillies game during his introductory press conference last week. On Monday evening he was at Citizens Bank Park, tossing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the opener of a three-game series against the New York Yankees. And he tossed a strike.

Photo Credit: Heather Barry

Michkov received a warm reception from the fans and using his right hand tossed a roughly 40 foot strike. According to the NBCSP broadcast the Flyers will return to the ballpark at some point later in the season for batting practice.

Michkov (and his translator in Flyers skating coach Slava Kuznetsov) met with Phillies manager Rob Thomson, giving him a hockey stick. Thomson relayed that when he played ice hockey he’d shoot right-handed but when he played road hockey he’d shoot left-handed. Michkov joked that he’d make Thomson another stick so he’d then have two. Michkov then signed the blade of the stick for Thomson who gave Michkov the Phillies jersey. “Welcome to Philadelphia,” Thomson said as they shook hands.

Michkov also met Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler who started Monday night’s game. Although Michkov and Wheeler have little in common their draft slots are close: in the 2023 NHL draft Michkov was drafted seventh overall whereas in the 2009 MLB draft the San Francisco Giants selected Wheeler sixth overall. Michkov also stood just outside the Phillies dugout on the first base side holding a Phillies jersey with Michkov and No. 39 on the back.

Michkov was also photographed with fellow Flyers including Cam York, Tyson Foerster and Joel Farabee in the dugout prior to the game.

Michkov is the latest in a string of Flyers (and Flyer prospects) to have tossed out the ceremonial first pitch. In 2023 Oliver Bonk, wearing a Phillies jersey with #23 on the back, tossed a pitch that, to quote Bob Uecker, just a bit outside.

In September, 2017 Claude Giroux tossed out the first pitch on behalf of his charity the Claude Giroux Foundation as the Phillies took on the Dodgers. During Game 3 of the 2022 World Series, Bernie Parent tossed out the first pitch with former stars of the other Philadelphia sports teams. And Joe Watson also tossed out the first pitch this past May before the Phillies played the San Francisco Giants.