[MiamiScreamingEagles]

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news...-riemsdyk.html

Last year van Riemsdyk raised a few eyebrows by going back to school for a second year. The Flyers gave a reluctant blessing to the decision and van Riemsdyk said he appreciates the team's patience.

"There were a couple reasons,'' he explained. "After my freshman year, we kind of fizzled out in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Going to UNH, I really wanted to make a mark there, to win a championship.

"And there were some things I needed to work on to be prepared for the pro game. Every decision I've made, (the Flyers) have been fully supportive. They haven't put too much pressure on me.''

Van Riemsdyk played briefly for the Phantoms at the end of last season to help ease the transition but Flyers coach John Stevens wants him to come to camp thinking NHL.

"I would hope he would come in wanting to make our team,'' Stevens said. "His attitude has to be that he wants to be here. He's a big guy; he's worked really hard, great hands, high hockey intelligence.

"Now we're going to see how competitive he is at the NHL level. He's not 18 right out of the draft, he's 20. I just want him to come in and be a competitive two-way player. ... His competitiveness is what we need to see.''

That's fine with van Riemsdyk. He's looking forward to "proving'' himself before friends, family and somewhat hometown fans.