Playing career
Early career
York was born and raised in Anaheim, California. Growing up there, he played alongside Jackson Niedermayer, the son of Scott Niedermayer, who coached his youth hockey team.[1] His father, Jeff, installed a roller skating rink surface in the backyard which York would skate on every day after school.[1] It was through roller skating that York developed an affinity for hockey.[2] After two defencemen on his youth team were injured, he was placed on defence and enjoyed the position.[2] York played squirt and peewee hockey within the Anaheim Jr. Ducks minor program coached by Craig Johnson and Scott Niedermayer.[3]
Once he turned 14, York enrolled in Shattuck-St. Mary's, a Minnesota prep academy, where he totaled more than 100 points in two seasons.[4] Afterwards, York was invited to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the USHL.[2] While playing for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program U-18 team in the 2018–19 USHL season, York set a new single season record for points for a defenseman.[5] On January 15, 2019, York set a new franchise record for most points in one game with seven.[6] This earned him USHL's Defenseman of the Week Honors.[7]
York was initially committed to play for Boston College Eagles, but rescinded his commitment when coach Greg Brown left to join the New York Rangers.[8] He eventually committed to play for the Michigan Wolverines.[9]
Collegiate
York was drafted 14th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.[10] He enrolled in the University of Michigan for the 2019–20 season and recorded his first collegiate goal in a 2–1 loss to Ohio State on November 2, 2019.[11]
During the 2020–21 season, York led the Big Ten in defenseman scoring with 20 points on four goals and 16 assists. Five of his 20 points came on the power play, while four of his assists set up game-winning goals. Following an outstanding season, he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten.[12]
Professional
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On March 31, 2021, the Flyers signed York to a three-year, entry-level contract.[13] York made his NHL debut on May 7 in the Flyers' 4–2 win over the Washington Capitals.[14] On January 8, 2022, York recorded his first NHL point with an assist to James van Riemsdyk as the Flyers won 3–2 in overtime against the San Jose Sharks.[15] He scored his first NHL goal in a 3–2 loss to the New York Rangers on January 15.[16]
