Midget Major 18U Team Wins 18th League Championship

Vote for Jr Flyers Alumni.  Brian O'Neill (Yale) for Hobey Baker award.

Jr. Flyer Alumni Jackee Snikeris Breaks Yale Womans hockey Career Shutout Record

Snikeris made her first big save by gloving a slap shot from the right point by defenseman Jacquie Pierri with heavy traffic in front of the net. Right after that a penalty on the Bulldogs gave Brown the chance to start piling up shots on goal, but Snikeris stopped them all. Hughes hit the post on a wrist shot with three minutes left in the period, and the Bears also broke up a chance for Ketchum in the final seconds. The teams went into the first intermission scoreless. Hughes and Ketchum have been Yale’s 1-2 scoring punch all season long, and on Saturday they got Brown reeling by scoring less than 90 seconds apart near the start of the second period. After the penalty kill Brown had another golden opportunity when a falling Yale defender gave Pierri the chance to come in all alone on Snikeris, but she sent the shot wide. The Bears also took advantage of a turnover during a Yale power play late in the period for another breakaway, but Snikeris denied forward Sasha Van Muyen. After the initial save forward Erica Farrer tried to stuff the puck in as a sprawled out Snikeris covered it in the crease. Farrer did eventually get it over the goal line, but by then the whistle had already blown. The call was upheld after a brief video review, and Yale took a 2-0 lead into the third period. Van Muyen used her speed down the left wing to generate a Brown threat with six minutes left, but Snikeris came up with another big save. After that the Bulldogs for the most part kept the pressure off their goalie, with freshman defenseman Emily DesMeules breaking up a potentially dangerous pass in the Yale zone with 11:20 to play and the Bears getting hit with another penalty right after that. Snikeris ranged far out of the crease to keep the puck away from hard-charging forward Kath Surbey with 3:30 to play, then gloved a wrister by forward Alena Polenska with less than two minutes remaining. An icing call resulted in a faceoff in the Yale zone with a minute left, but the Bulldogs controlled the puck and ran out the clock on the historic shutout.

Talent and travel helps enhance Philadelphia's hockey profile!

     Apparently, distance really does make the heart grow fonder. Just ask Philadelphia Junior Flyers' head coach Bud Dombroski. He knows. In an effort to raise the awareness of his already improving program, Dombroski, whose been with the AAA Junior Flyers organization since 1988, opted to start taking his kids further away from home. "Scouts don't come to Philadelphia," says Dombroski succinctly, "but they will go to Massachusetts." As well as Detroit and Chicago to name a few. No matter the growing number of amateur clubs in and around the city of 'Brotherly Love' (such as fellow AAA Team Comcast), Philadelphia still isn't the scouting hub that is Boston, Chicago or Detroit, where NHL scouts can plant themselves for days on end and view all manner of amateur play in the process. In and around the Motor City for instance, scouts can jump from midget AAA to US NTDP, NAHL, college and Ontario Hockey League action all within an hour's drive or less. Without the same luxury, teams like Dombroski Junior Flyers are now taking a very practical approach: If scouts won't come to you, then by all means go to them. "Last year, we played seven tournaments in and around Boston," explains Dombroski, who made sure the well established Bean town Classic was one of them. "There's so much hockey there (college, junior, AAA), there's guaranteed a number of scouts in the building anytime you play." But it's more than just being seen, there are better players to be seen. The point is, amateur hockey in Philadelphia has really arrived, and as Lennon/McCartney once sang, it's 'getting better all the time.' The sport blossomed in and around the Delaware Valley soon after the NHL's Flyers won their two consecutive Stanley Cups in the mid 1970's, and though observers like Dombroski say there hasn't been a growth spurt quite like that since, it has stayed steady, and more importantly, matured. "We're getting more and more higher end players, and they're getting more higher end results."

    Think also of goaltender Mike Richter. From the north Philly suburb of Abington, Richter was reared in the area's minor hockey system before moving onto the preps in New York (Northwood School). From there he went from college (at  Wisconsin) to the professional ranks, where he led the NY Rangers to the 1994 Stanley Cup and later the Americans to gold at the World Cup of Hockey in 1996.  And there have been many others of more recent stock: Jr Flyers Forwards Chris Bala went to Harvard, and was drafted by Ottawa (2nd round) in 1998 and winger Vince Malts played two seasons with Hull (QMJHL) and was also selected in 1998, by Vancouver in the 7th round. Others Jr Flyers include defenseman Eric Tangradi, a 2nd round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 who skated for three seasons with the OHL's Belleville Bulls (and last winter with the US WJC squad), as well as Boston University junior defenseman Colby Cohen, another 2007 2nd round pick (Colorado, 45th overall). Both Bala and Malts played under Dombroski, while Tangradi and Cohen skated for other clubs within the Jr. Flyers organization. "I didn't play under Bud but he always came out to our practices and he worked with me specifically quite a bit," remembers Cohen, who skated for four years with the Jr Flyers (pee wee, bantams) before stops at Syracuse (EJHL), the US NTDP and the Lincoln Stars before landing at BU. "Bud took the time to work with me any chance he had, and the experience was great. It was a great beginning to my hockey career," adds Cohen, whose younger brother, a '96, is currently in the Jr. Flyers system as well. "I learned a lot of what it meant to take hockey seriously, and it was nice to play at a place where we played to win."

     Per USA Hockey statistics, the numbers of registered players in the Philadelphia area has grown slightly over the last few years. In 2005-06, there were approximately 15,600 skaters (all ages) in the 'Eastern Pennsylvania' region. For 2008-09, the metrics reflected over 15,900 skaters, 3,700 of which were 19 and older. While the numbers certainly don't suggest a growth spurt, they hardly imply a decrease either, even though the recent economic downtown has taken a toll. "We have seen a recent drop off," admits Dombroski, whose team plays at the Ice Line Quad Rinks facility in West Chester, PA. "Last year we had about 130 kids come tryout, and this year I think it was closer to 90." Yet regardless of quantity, Dombroski's convinced of the quality.  "The people who are good at the sport, those higher end players, they're staying in it more than before," Dombroski argues, "and as a result I think some of the fat is starting to disappear. As we develop more high end players, colleges and juniors are taking more notice." To that end, the Flyers are now in a better position than ever before.  Last summer, the Tier I Elite Hockey League, which successfully got off the ground in 2008-2009, opted to open an eastern division. When Dombroski and the Flyers were offered to join, they quickly accepted.  To date, the Flyers are hanging in there with a 9-13-2 record through 24 games played.   "The league has been terrific," says Dombroski, whose squad plays alongside east division rivals Pittsburgh (the Hornets, inaugural members of the league last year), Team Comcast, Buffalo (the Regals) and the Boston Advantage. "This is the best thing we've ever done as far as competition is concerned." It does however make for a taxing schedule.   First off, being in the Elite League means showcase events all over the Tier I map, even though that helps in terms of exposure. Secondly, per USA Hockey rules, both the Jr. Flyers and Team Comcast must still play a slate of games against their fellow Atlantic District comrades--they being Team Maryland, the New Jersey Junior Devils and the New Jersey Colonials--in order to remain eligible for the Under 18 nationals this coming spring. "That's at least 62 games," Dombroski explains. "We have 24 other teams in the Tier I league and we play each of them twice for a total of 48 games, then we have to play 16 Atlantic District games but our (two) games against Comcast count towards both, so we end up at 62. But that's tough for the kids because of the school they miss. Out here schools aren't so forgiving," Dombroski continues, "they can't miss more than ten days of school. However, while we're away on tournaments, if we can get them to go visit a college, that doesn't count as a day missed."     

     Speaking of which, there are a number of Jr. Flyers with deep seeded college aspirations, such as 6-4, 200 pound right winger Tyler Rehm. From King of Prussia, PA, Rehm scored 11 goals and 16 assists last year with the Flyer Under 16's. Though drafted by the OHL's Brampton Battalion in May, he is keeping his options open, and was also drafted by the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms.  As for former Flyers, forwards Billy Latta (Sioux City) and Andrew Lamont (Youngstown) are both hoping for good things from this their rookie seasons in the USHL, not to mention Knodel, who is learning the ropes himself in Des Moines. "Definitely working on my skating," Knodel says. "At New Hampshire I'll be playing on a big sheet of ice (the 200 x 100 Whittemore Center), and big guys like me usually don't move all that well. I'm a decent skater, but I need to get better." Should he succeed, will that make scouts all the more mindful of his Philly brethren coming up the ranks?  "I hope so," Knodel adds, "getting drafted has been great for me and I hope all the others will get seen too. It'll help bring more good hockey players to the organization." And maybe a little less travel too.

Amateur Hockey Report: An Independent News/Scouting Journal

Jr Flyers will Represent the Philadelphia Flyers in the Quebec International Hockey Tournament

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Jr. Flyers 18U Team shines at the East-Chicago Showcase in Boston.

   The Jr. Flyers opened the showcase playing a tough (3rd Place Overall Tier 1 Elite League) Team Illinois hockey club.  In November the TI team defeated the Jr. Flyers 3-2. This game would be very similar.  Team Illinois jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead. After regrouping in the locker room the Jr. Flyers came out with new life. Mark Constantine scored early in the period. Before the period ended Brian Christie scored to make it a one goal game. In the third period the Jr. Flyers pressed the TI team but good goaltending at both ends kept the game 3-2. The Jr. Flyers were called for a penalty with 3 minutes left in the game. Still pressing and taking chances the Jr. Flyers ended up on a 3 on 1 shorthanded rush. Two forward had shots at the TI goalie but were denied. Team Illinois retrieved the puck and scored on the 4 on 2 return rush with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Final TI 4, Jr. Flyers 2. Steve Dombrosky made 27 saves in the game.

   Game two was against the Madison Capitals coached by Bob Suter. Madison also defeated the Jr. Flyers in Chicago 5-4 in an offense filled game. Madison scored first. Mark Constantine from Donald Oliveri tied the game less than a minute later. Some poor defensive zone coverage by the Flyers saw Madison score with 32 seconds left in the period.  Tom Kane scored assisted by Troy Scott and the game was tied again at 2-2. Madison would take the lead for the final time early in the third. A goal from Mike Marconi from Chris Dinsmore and Tom Seravalli tied the game again at three. Tommy Kane scored his 2nd goal of the game from Troy Scott and the Jr. Flyers had the win 4-3. Garrett Nesbitt made 25 saves for the win.

   Chicago Fury was opponent number three. The Jr. Flyers finally scored first. Sean Nielsen scored from the point assisted by Tyler Cole and Ryan Ferrill. The Jr. Flyers went up 2-0 in the second period when Dan Dupell scored from Christie. Chicago got on the board cutting the lead to one until Nielsen scored his 2nd goal from Dupell. Chicago just would not quit and scored again to cut the lead to one. A quick goal from Ricky DeRosa assisted by Tyler Cole and the lead was back up to two. Chicago would not go away and scored their final goal with minutes left in the game. The Jr. Flyers held onto the one goal lead for a 4-3 victory. Steve Dombrosky made 21 saves for the win.

   Opponent number four was the (2nd Place Overall Tier 1 Elite League) Chicago Young American. CYA defeated the Jr. Flyers 3-0 in the previous meeting. After a scoreless first period Chicago took the lead scoring the only goal in the 2nd period. Only down 1-0 there was a good feeling in the locker room that the Jr. Flyers could win this game. Brian Christie started the period rolling scoring a one timer from Dupell and Sean Driscoll. Ryan Ferrill scored the game winner on the power play assisted by Seravalli and Constantine. Christie iced the cake when he stole the puck at center ice, spotted the Chicago goalie heading to the bench and fired it into the open net from center ice before the Chicago goalie could scamper back into the net. Garrett Nesbit played incredible with 31 saves. The Jr. Flyers just knocked off the 2nd place team in the Elite League 3-1.

   The final game of the showcase was against the Chicago Mission, #1 team in the Tier 1 Elite League. The Chicago Mission embarrassed the Flyers in a 7-1 loss in Chicago. The Mission struck first scoring late in the first period. Just minutes later the Jr. Flyers struck back, Dan Dupell scored from Dinsmore and Nielsen. The Mission would take the lead into the locker room scoring a power play goal with 2 seconds left in the period.  The Jr. Flyers came out flying in the third after a back and forth scoreless 2nd period. Ryan Ferrill scored from Tommy Kane to tie the game at two. Michael Marconi walked out of the corner and waited for the goalie to drop then putting it behind him and the Flyers had the lead. Chicago pulled the goalie to go for the tie when Sean Driscoll put the game away scoring into the open net with 22 seconds left. The Jr. Flyers had just knocked off the number one team in the Elite league 4-2. Steve Dombrosky played great with 28 saves for the win.

Jr. Flyers Squirt Minors Take Bauer International Invite AAA Tournament Title!

    Over the recent November 6-8 weekend, the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Squirt Minor Team played six games against highly regarded opponents from both the U.S. and Canada and emerged with the championship of the 2000 AAA Division of the Bauer International Invite in Chicago, Illinois.  Going 5-0-1 over the three days, the Squirt Minors displayed a calm confidence, coupled with a refuse-to-lose, never-say-die attitude and a steadfast commitment to team play. 

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Brian O'Neill Inside College Hockey (INCH) Player of the Week

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Short Staffed Jr Flyers Well Scouted at UNH Tournament

SCOUTS AT OUR GAMES

Jr Flyers 18U go 4 and 1 at Elite League East-West Showcase

Former Jr Flyers Defenseman Tyler Hostetter Signs 3 Year Deal!

Jr Flyers Alumni Eric Tangradi Shows Flashing of a Top Line WInger

Jr Flyers Alumni Eric Tangradi to play with Kunitz-Crosby Tonight!

The Penguins Lineup for Pre-Season Showdown with Columbus

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