Chris Caldwell is one of the first JRFlyers to release his commitment this season. Caldwell has committed to play college hockey at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. Caldwell is from Richmond Virginia and a 96’ birth year. He started playing hockey when he was three years old and his first travel team he played on was the Richmond Royals. This is Caldwell’s first season with the JRFlyers and he is happy with the experience. “I want to give a big hats off to Coach Jerry Domish. He’s a big reason why I am going to college next year. He’s taught me to be more of a consistent player throughout the year, and he just makes me a better player. Also hats off to our Assistant Coach Ben Weston. He does a lot with communicating with colleges; he makes the relationship between a player and colleges better and easier. They’ve taught me to be patient with the puck, and made me better with the basics and fundamentals. Those kinds of things seem simple, but they have to be down pat to be a good hockey player.”

Along with the coaching staff, Caldwell also expresses the help he has gotten from his teammates. “Man, I love those guys. The boys just keep me positive nonstop, and there’s always great energy on the bench. We all hang out, and they are always looking out for me.” It’s always good to have a solid relationship with your coaches and teammates but Caldwell knows that to play at his best, he needs to train hard. “The JRFlyers have a wonderful gym and a great gym program at HPATC (High Performance Athletic Training Center). We train five days a week and it gets me ready physically and mentally for game time. I also like that training is always different, some days it’s hardcore and other days we do stuff like yoga stretching but either way we are prepared.” Caldwell knows how to train hard and prepare, but off the ice is just as important in developing as a person. “This is definitely shaping me to get a feel not only for college life but also reality in general. Living on your own with a house full of your own teammates gives you an inside look of what it could be like. It’s definitely a good experience being here.” It has been a tough season for Caldwell because he has been back and forth with injuries but he has been an asset on the ice and he is excited about the future. “Right now I’m looking forward to going in as a true freshman, and getting a lot of playing time just like anyone else. This summer I'm going to bear down and work hard. This will be the hardest summer I train. I want to go in there and make a good name for myself and for the JRFlyers alumni and go from there.” Caldwell is very excited as he should be, but is also appreciative to his team.” I want to give a huge thank you to my coaches and teammates.  There are no words to say how grateful I am, I love the boys and I love the coaching staff, GO JRFlyers!”

Caldwell credits his teammates and his coaches for his success but Coach Domish gave high praises right back. “Chris is exceptionally quick. He has a very good shot and a good release. When he is playing his game, and driving from the outside in there’s not many kids that can play with him.” Domish went on to talk about Caldwell as a person and what stands out to him. “He's a very mature kid, and he handles himself well. He's very professional and ready to move on to the next level. I hope he has a great for years.”

Finally, we want to thank you Chris. Thank you for your hard work and dedication this season. You have sported the orange and black with pride. Good luck to you as you continue your hockey journey, but never forget, you’ll always be a JRFlyer forever.

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play-By-Play Announcer