(PHOTO CREDIT MARISA MASSO) 

JRFlyers forward Casey Kubara has committed to play DIII College Hockey. The 6’1 and ’96 birth year and Australia native will be playing for Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Kubara is certainly a well traveled player coming from Australia to play junior hockey in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). In the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL), Kubara plays for the CBR Brave. The Brave made it to the Championship but lost to end the season. Kubara didn’t have too much time to dwell on it because the following day he was on a plane heading to the USA on route to West Chester, PA for the JRFlyers training camp and preseason. The JRFlyers had a tremendous regular season and so did Kubara. He finished the regular season with 39 points (13G, 16A) which was sixth most on the team. The JRFlyers entered the postseason as the #2 Seed and the success continued. The JRFlyers made it to the EHL Finals (Best of 5) and defeated their cross town rivals, the Little Flyers, in overtime of Game 5 to claim the Championship. Kubara added 8 points (3G, 5A) in 12 games in the playoffs. It certainly was a memorable experience as he heads back to Australia for the AIHL Season. “I flew over the next day after the Championship (with the Brave) and we rolled right into training camp and preseason. In that time we bonded like no other team. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew I had to work hard and work for everything I got. As soon as I got to know the boys I knew we had a chance to go all the way and to cap off the season with a Championship and it feels great that we did it.”

This was Kubara’s only season in the EHL, but he saw differences it presented from what he saw in the AIHL. “In the EHL it is a lot more physical and you have a lot less time and space. It is very competitive and tough. In Australia, I feel like I have better puck control and I have the puck on my stick more. Playing in the EHL has given me the confidence as I transition my game to college hockey here after I finish up in Australia.”

 Kubara has already had success and is a solid player, but spending a season with the JRFlyers has expanded his game. “I feel like being with the JRFlyers has given me the eagerness and hunger that you need to compete in college hockey. All the little things in junior hockey like winning your battles, fore checking, back checking all of those things are key and the transition will be easier now that I've played with the JRFlyers in the EHL. I loved it and it was awesome.”

After the CBR Brave season Kubara will return to the USA and attend Nazareth College in Rochester. He plans on studying physical therapy and has goals on and off the ice. “I just want to have a smooth transition. First of all I want to take care of school and make sure my grades are right. I want to work hard stay in the gym and stay in shape, hopefully put up some points during the season.”

It was a great ride and experience for Kubara in his time with the JRFlyers and he was grateful for the chance. “I'm just so proud of everyone, we never gave up and we were such a tight group from top to bottom. I’ll never forget this, and I’ll never forget the boys either. We worked so hard all year and we won the championship and it’s all worth it now.”

Head Coach Jerry Domish is excited for Kubara’s future as he heads to the next step. “It’s an interesting story really. A former player of mine called me and told me about Casey. I took his word for it and didn’t know what I was getting. When he came in I thought he had a lot of skill, but as the season progressed he developed as a player and I got way more than I expected when the end of the season came. He is a very good skater and has great size. When he attacks the net and shoots, he has a great shot. Heading to Nazareth next year I hope he keeps on shooting because if he does, then he’ll be a very good player. I wish him the best.”

Congratulations Casey, despite only being here for one season your impact was sizeable. You carry a great attitude with you on and off the ice. Thank you for your hard work in bringing a Championship to the Philadelphia JRFlyers, and though your time here has ceased, you are forever a member of the JRFlyers family.

By Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play By Play Announcer