"The Truck" Rolls In: Shane Vansaghi on Playing Style & First Flyers Development Camp

A self-described power forward, Vansaghi plays with the kind of energy that doesn’t let up. The moment the puck drops—whether it’s a practice drill in July or a shift in late March—he's full throttle.

“I compete,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “I play a big power forward game. I think fans appreciate that work ethic and that relentless attitude and mindset. I don’t think I’ll ever give up on a puck battle or footrace. The basis of my game is big energy… and I think the physicality and the energy and the size and power makes me an exciting player to watch.”

That mindset has never been optional for Vansaghi—it’s been the foundation of everything he’s built.

“Some of the stuff we do out here is more about technique, but any time I’m doing any drill on the ice, no matter if it’s July or October, I try and go into it and act like it’s Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. I just compete, and I think I developed that kind of mindset at a young age.”

There’s no mistaking Vansaghi’s identity as a player. He’s the guy you feel on the ice. He brings size, yes, but it's the way he uses it—purposefully, aggressively, relentlessly—that makes him stand out. That style also makes him an early fan favorite, especially in Philadelphia, where grit is the native language.

And yet, there’s much more than just size and edge to Vansaghi’s game. He’s a smart player with offensive upside, one who continues to work on his ability to finish, find soft ice, and produce. At Michigan State, where he’ll return this fall for another year of NCAA development, Vansaghi’s eye is already on making a jump in production.

“I always want more. I’m never satisfied,” he said. “I always want to score more goals, get more hits, earn more ice time. There’s really no expectations. I’m gonna show up here, and when I leave here, I’m gonna show up to Michigan State and do everything I can to prove to the coaching staff that I belong in the lineup. I believe I can do that, and my self-belief and confidence will get me there.”

Any NHL development camp can feel like a whirlwind. New faces. New systems. Everyone trying to make a name for themselves. For Vansaghi, though, the experience has been equal parts intense and exhilarating.

“It’s just exciting,” he said. “I think the best part about it is just meeting the other prospects. We played pickleball and paintball the other day. It’s just special to see the other prospects, and within the prospects you’re kind of a family. I’ve enjoyed that part of it. Putting on the Flyers jersey, wearing the Flyers logo, it’s pretty cool.”

Adding to his comfort level was the presence of Michigan State teammate Karsen Dorwart, who signed with the Flyers earlier this year and has already been around the organization for a few months.

“It’s awesome,” Vansaghi said. “He’s been here for a couple months now, so he knows his way around a little bit. It’s a familiar face, and there’s a lot of unfamiliar faces, and to just have someone that I’ve been with and relate to a little more is special. He called me right after I got drafted and was so excited to congratulate me and see me at camp.”

Vansaghi is already thinking like a Flyer. He’s serious about improvement. Focused on consistency. And never shies away from a challenge. Asked about playing against fellow Flyers prospect Alex Bump last season—when Bump was skating for Western Michigan—Vansaghi offered a telling response.

“He was a threat,” Vansaghi said. “He was one of those guys you just want to take away his time and space and make it hard on him because he’s a good player. If you give him too much time and space, he’s gonna make you pay.”

There’s no rush here. Vansaghi will return to Michigan State, where his game can keep growing. The Flyers know what they have—a driven, physical forward with real upside and the kind of mindset that doesn’t require external motivation.

And if the Flyers are right about Shane Vansaghi?

They’ve got themselves more than just a future bottom-six bruiser. They’ve got a freight train of effort and edge, ready to wear down opponents and electrify crowds.

"The Truck" has pulled into Philly—and it doesn’t plan on idling.