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KNEEDLER COMMITS

By Joe Sindoni , 05/02/17, 2:30PM EDT

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Forward Barry Kneedler Gearing Up for DIII Hockey

(PHOTO CREDIT MARISA MASSO)

 

JRFlyers forward Barry Kneedler has committed to play DIII Hockey next season. The 6’3 ’96 birth year from Philadelphia will be suiting up for Neumann University. Kneedler didn’t start the season with the JRFlyers, but came to the team in November. He had a great season for the team racking up 25 points (9G 16A) in 34 games played. Once the playoffs started, that’s when Kneedler really began to shine. He caught fire and was a huge reason the JRFlyers won the Eastern Hockey League Finals over the cross town rival Little Flyers. In 12 playoff games Kneedler stacked up 8 goals and 6 assists, including tying Game 4 with :42 seconds left sending the game to overtime. Then in the OT, Kneedler scored again sending the series to Game 5. After being down 2-0 in Game 5 Kneedler got things started putting the JRFlyers on the board as they went on to win the Championship in overtime. His production and contributions were immeasurable to the team despite not starting the year with the team. “I came to the JRFlyers at the end of November, not knowing what to expect. To my surprise the guys were great, the team really made me feel welcome and they helped me with anything I needed. Especially Coach Domish, he is a direct, straight forward kind of guy, and very down to earth. He speaks his mind, and you know where you stand with him.”

Capping off a season with a Championship is certainly amazing and Kneedler enjoyed his time with the team. “My time with the JR Flyers was awesome. In all my hockey years, I can honestly say, this is the only team where no one was selfish, or thought they were better than the next person. We worked together as one, knowing that we can make something happen, and we were up for the challenge. Coming to the JRFlyers was the best thing that has happened to me. This team would do anything for each other.”

It was a successful career for Kneedler in his time with the JRFlyers, and he wished to thank those who helped him along the way. “Thank you to my Dad for his support and guidance over the years. Also thanks to my Mom and Grand-mom for everything, especially for taking all those long rides with Dad to watch me play. I’d like to thank Dave Bauer for all the things he did for me, I appreciate it. Thank you Coach Domish and Coach Jason for a wonderful season, it could not have been any better. I also want to thank our announcer Joe Sindoni and Chris Cowan our equipment manager for everything they have done for our team.” 

Neumann University is the next stop for Kneedler. Right now he is undecided in the field of study he wishes to major in, but still has goals set for himself. “My goal at Neumann University is to be the best student I can be. I also consider it a privileged to play hockey for Neumann, and I will come prepared for any challenge that comes my way. I also want to thank Coach Tendler for giving me the opportunity to play for him.” Also heading to Neumann is Captain Tommy Dougherty, and Kneedler is excited to continue playing hockey with a friend as they both look for continued success.

Head Coach Jerry Domish got a front row seat to the talents of Kneedler and is excited for his future.” He is in great shape, he is a hard worker and his willingness to learn makes him very coachable. He is a goal scorer who has a great shot and shoots as often as he can. As the season progressed I think he just got more comfortable in the system and what he was allowed to do and started to flourish. He will be a great college player because he has size, strength and he's a pretty good skater and athlete for his size. I feel he will continue scoring because he is a shooter and will be strong in the corners and in dirty areas on ice with his size.”

Lastly Kneedler wanted to leave a final message to the JRFlyers as he gets ready for his next journey. “It was a pleasure to meet and play with every one of you. This team always knew we could make something happen. We constantly supported each other. It’s difficult to say goodbye, and I consider you guys my brothers. I will never forget this team and this season! Good luck, and thanks for the memories.

Congratulations Barry on your successful junior hockey career. Thanks to you, team spirits were always riding high, and it kept everyone loose and smiling. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for showing what being a JRFlyer is all about, even though you must move on, you now become a member of the JRFlyers Family.

 

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play By Play Announcer