On Monday, August 19 at 9:00AM, the Jr. Flyers EHL team begins its tenth season under head coach and general manager Jerry Domish. After winning the Eastern Hockey League in 2017, the junior team had a subpar season in 2018 but rebounded to make the playoffs this past season. Domish’s main goal for the 2019-20 season: consistency.

The EHL team finished in third place last season in the Mid-Atlantic Conference’s South Division with a 20-22-4 record for 44 points. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Jr. Flyers advanced to the playoffs but lost in the first-round to the Philadelphia Revolution two games to none – all by a total of three goals.  They lost 4 – 3 in overtime in game one and then lost 4 – 2 in game two.

The main problem that affected last year’s team was it had two stretches of long losing streaks. However, as the season wound down, they closed it out by going 3 – 1 and outscoring their opponents 15 – 9 including a 4 – 0 shutout.  

This year the team has seven returners who are committed to the challenge and want the team to make it to the playoffs again but have a deeper run, even hoping to recapture the glory of 2017. “I want the returners to have learned from last year’s ups and downs” stated Domish. “I want them to keep the ship running in the direction all season, and I know they’re ready for it” said Domish.

“I know we have quality players returning. I also know we have a new group of good quality players coming in. I believe it is a good blend. My expectations will be to have everyone accountable to themselves and each other. I want everyone to realize that this is their job and that they need to put in the time necessary to make a difference. I’m looking forward to this season, and it should be fun” concluded Domish.

While Domish seeks consistency from his team for this upcoming season, the one area that the EHL team has been consistent in is its NCAA commitments. They have on average eight NCAA commitments each of the past four years.

“I think having averaged eight commitments each of the last four years is a great number for our organization” said Domish. “I feel it shows that we are truly commitment to developing our players for the future. I think more importantly is the fact that our guys have gone on to play big roles on their teams at the collegiate level. Jeff Beck, Jonathan and Steve Low, Evan Williams, Tom Dougherty, AJ Wallace, Matt Manning, Steven Swavely and Jon Ruiz all went on to be captains of their college teams. I’m very proud of that” said Domish.