Before this season began, Jr. Flyers first year 18U head coach Brett Skalski’s goal was to be one of the better teams in the area. Then, the team’s Beast League schedule began.

“In my opinion, the Beast League is the best league in the country for this level” stated Skalski. “We didn’t do well. Some games we played well while others we didn’t. But I think what it did was expose our players to the highest caliber of talent across the country and made them realize that it is a much faster pace and skill level than they have been used to” said Skalski. “It made us better and challenged our players to take it to the next level” added Skalski.

Upon the conclusion of the Beast League, Skalski altered his approach. “Essentially, while wins and losses are great, I learned that it is making sure that the players are developing and that they are prepared to play next year, whether that be another year remaining on the 18U team, playing college club or junior hockey” stated Skalski.

“Coming from coaching junior hockey, I realized that there is a lot of skill on our team. I just wish it would be more physical like I’m used to” said Skalski. “I want us to be a very difficult team to play against. I want that blend of skills and physicality, and I think we are getting there” concluded Skalski.

Since the Beast League ended the 18U’s have a combined 14 – 12 record in the Atlantic Youth and Tier 1 Elite Hockey Leagues. They have scored 81 goals and allowed 77. In the AY alone, the 18U’s have an 8 – 3 record.

Clearly, Skalski’s change is starting to take hold. And that skill he mentioned, is beginning to be recognized. Last week the team announced that defenseman Justin Cohn was invited to skate with the Jamestown Rebels of the North American Hockey League.

Upfront the 18U’s are led by Riley Johnson (33GP, 12 G & 19A, 31TP) and Michael Bolger (28GP, 8G & 11A, 19TP). The blueline is led by Justin Brown (35GP, 1 G & 13 A, 14TP) and Aidan Wright (34GP, 0G & 7A, 7TP). According to Skalski, the backbone of the team, however, has been between the pipes.

“Our goaltenders have seen a lot of rubber, but they have kept us in a lot of games this season” stated Skalski.

In 35 games, netminders John Profaci and Zach Richards have seen a combined 969 shots, turning aside 864 of them for a .891 save percentage. They also have a combined 3.00 goals against average.

“I like our team” said Skalski. “We are talented and becoming more physical. I’m looking forward to see how we’ll finish” concluded Skalski.