Veteran defenseman Josh Hinderliter will continue his hockey career at the DIII Level. The 6’0 ’96 birth year from Wyandotte, MI will be heading to Trine University in Indiana. This is his third season with the JRFlyers after coming over from the New Jersey Titans. In that first season Hinderliter saw limited ice time after coming to the team late, but in the last two years he has become a core member of the defensive unit and has been contributing with his offense as well. Hinderliter led all JRFlyers defensemen with 30 points this season.

Hinderliter had a great career with the JRFlyers as he reflects on his time here. “The support here is great. All the guys are awesome and they work hard. We have a special group of guys this year, and a ton of support from the coaching staff. Coach Jason (Kilcoyne) has been a big help through this whole process, we are setup for success and I’m grateful for that. Off the ice I learned how to be more mature and independent and how to conduct myself. On the ice I have learned more this year than I have my whole career, especially in my individual game and I have to thank Jason for that.”

His hockey career now shifts to Trine University as his JRFlyers journey comes to an end. Trine skates in the NCHA (North Collegiate Hockey Association) and while attending Trine he intends to major in Biology but also has goals heading to a new team. “I just want to be an impact on my team however I can, whether that be in the lineup or not. I want to be there for my teammates and have as big of an impact as possible.”

Hinderliter has enjoyed his time and had a great career with the JRFlyers but he made sure he thanked everyone that has helped him along the way. ”I’m really thankful for everyone that has been there for me throughout my career. I want to thank Jerry (Domish) , Jason (Kilcoyne) and Ben Weston. I want to thank my mom, dad and girlfriend for their support. Everyone else who has had an impact, it has been greatly appreciated and it has helped mold me into the person I am now. I also want to thank my friend and teammate Chris Butryn for being there for me when I needed it.” Hinderliter also talked about what he’ll miss and had one final message to his teammates about having the right attitude. “I’m going to miss the comradery for sure, everyone is tight and we feed off each other. We help each other when someone is feeling down, and I think that is one of the reasons why we are successful this year. No one gets down on each other when things aren’t going well. We all keep a good attitude and that’s something that I haven’t had too much in my career. If I could say one thing to the guys, it would be to keep that attitude, don’t ever lose it because it will take you far in life.”

It has been a great career for Hinderliter and Coach Domish has seen him improve his game first hand as he talks about the defenseman’s next step.” He has improved immensely in his time here. I remember when he first came over from the Titans, where he was then to where he is now is an amazing transformation. He works hard and he has an incredible work ethic, and he does whatever the coaching staff asks. He has made himself a very good defenseman. He will bring a winning attitude to Trine. It is always great to have kids that lead by example, he's got that never quit never die attitude.  Trine is a new program, and having someone who works that hard, will hopefully be contagious to the rest of the team."

Congratulations Josh on your junior hockey career. All of your hard work has been rewarded as you prepare to take the next step as College Hockey is near. Thank you for your hard work and contribution to the JRFlyers. Even though your journey continues, you’ll always be a part of the JRFlyers family.

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play By Play Announcer