Well, it’s nearing the end of summer which means JRFlyers hockey is back! Training Camp is underway, and the preseason starts this weekend. Since this is the first article of the year for us, we will bring you a recap of last year for the EHL Team and EHLP Team. Also, how to get all things JRFlyers online, and a preview of the preseason for both teams.

About the Eastern Hockey League

For those that are new to the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) here is a brief overview. The League started in 2013. Now heading into its sixth season, the EHL has committed over 800 players to DII, DIII College Hockey. The EHL has been the leader in all Tier III Junior Leagues in Direct to College Advancements for the past three seasons. What helps the league is the location, roughly 2/3 of Division III schools are on the east coast. The EHL spans as far north as Vermont and now with an expansion, stems all the way down to North Carolina. It is very easy for players to be scouted for College Hockey by multiple schools.

The Eastern Hockey League is split into two leagues. You have the EHL Team and the Eastern Hockey League Premier Team (EHLP). For old school terms that some may be accustomed to hearing; the EHL would be considered Junior A, and the EHLP Junior B.

Two years ago, the JRFlyers EHL Team won the championship. Last season was not the title defense they had hoped for. Only two veteran players returned, and the team was plagued with injuries. Things were out of sync and the JRFlyers missed the playoffs. As for this season, the team has four returning players: Forwards – Billy McDevitt, Nick Kiemel, Justin Weinbrenner, and Goaltender Albin Mulic. Mulic had his season cut short last year with a torn ACL, but he is skating now and could be ready to go in mid-late September! Jerry Domish returns as the Head Coach, and new to the staff is Assistant Coach Nick Russo.

The Premier team had a great season last year. They were tops in the Southern Conference and made it all the way to the EHL Frozen Finals. Unfortunately, the championship game slipped away and put a damper on a great season, but nonetheless it was a wild ride. Last years Head Coach Brett Skalski has accepted a new position within the JRFlyers Organization as the 18U head Coach. Tyler Moll was the Assistant Coach and will now takeover as HC. A new addition to the staff is Mike Mattison, he will be the assistant coach for the upcoming season.

Showcases

There will be showcases for both leagues throughout the season. This is one of the best ways for players to be seen by many scouts, colleges, and other higher junior leagues. The entire league heads to a venue and plays there for a weekend, that way scouts from all over can see what the players have to offer from one location. The format is a little different for the games, Showcase format is 2-25 minute periods as opposed to a regular game which is 3-20 minute periods. 

EHL Showcase Series Schedule

September 30th – October 1st at Rodman Arena (Walpole, MA)

November 11th – 12th Paul T. Gilmartin Memorial Arena (Haverhill, MA)

December 13th – 14th Newington Arena (Newington, CT)

January 13th – 14th Rodman Arena (Walpole, MA)

EHL Premier Showcase Series Schedule

October 6th – 8th at Ice Works Skating Complex (Aston, PA)

November 11th – 12th Lawrence Valley Forum (Lawrence, MA)

January 19th – 21st Revolution Ice Gardens (Warminster, PA)

Find out more about the EHL by checking out their websites: easternhockeyleague.org and ehlpremier.org. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Back to the JRFlyers side on things. The preseason starts this week! On Friday the EHL Team will head to New Jersey to take on the Titans of the NAHL. The busy weekend will continue for both teams as the JRFlyers will host a Preseason Labor Day Showcase.

The EHL Team will play two games on 9/1. At 10am they will play the rival Philadelphia Little Flyers and at 5:30pm against another rival, the Philadelphia Revolution. Sunday 9/2 they end the Showcase against the Potomac Patriots (USPHL) at 4pm.

The Premier Team schedule is as follows: 8/31 against Little Flyers 8:15pm. Then two games on 9/1, Revolution 10:15am, and the Central Penn Panthers at 7:45pm. The Premier Team ends the showcase against the Potomac Patriots 9/2 at 3pm.

For the full 2018-19 schedule for both teams, visit jrflyers.org. The JRFlyers are also on social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @EHLJRFlyers. The preseason games on Saturday and Sunday will be available to watch on HockeyTV.com. As for the rest of the preseason, games will not be aired. Once the regular season kicks off, you will be able to watch EVERY JRFlyers game (EHL/EHLP) on HockeyTV.com. They also have an On demand Section, so if you miss a game you can go back and watch. You can watch the JRFlyers on any smart device (phones, tablets, TVs etc.) by downloading the HockeyTV app. If you subscribe to HockeyTV before 8/31/18, you will get $50 off your purchase.

By: Joe Sindoni

Director of Broadcasting

Play by Play Announcer