Flyers Return From Provincials As Champs

Submitted by the Frontenac Flyers | Apr 19, 2023

In youth sports the word champions is often tied to success in the win-loss column.  Our U13 Frontenac Flyers have certainly had tremendous success in this regard.  The OMHA provincial champships held in Barrie was the final test for this hard working and enthusiastic team.

Owing to centre size and catchment area, the Frontenac Flyers have been classified as a C centre.  In this tournament, the competition were all B Centres, all ranked in the top 10 in the province.  Our young athletes put on a show.  The team returned with 1 win and 2 losses narrowly missing out on the semi-finals by a one goal margin.  Both loses were of the narrowest 3-2 margin.  This team certainly put a scare into the competition and continued the flyer tradition of punching above its weight.

Instead of the wins and losses, this team remains champions for the way they played the game.  Here are just a few examples that illustrate the character and growth of this team.

Mid way through the season, hard-working Johnny McNichols was on track to record his first ever hat-trick.  The team recognizing this accomplishment, sacrificed ice-time, and their own scoring opportunities to continually give John fantastic looks and touches.  They played unselfish hockey to support a teammate.

Upon witnessing his diminutive and tenacious defence partner take a dirty hit along the boards, Team Captain Evan Hole quickly intervened and sent a message to the opposing team that the flyers won’t be pushed around.  When questioned by the coaching staff, Evan mater-of-factly stated “No one takes a run at Lukey”.  He gave the coaches no room to argue.

Watching the young-gun duo of Kane Thomas and Ethan Tryon was like watching a magician with the puck.  Their talent was only matched with the pure joy and enthusiasm  they played the game.  You cannot wipe the smiles of their face.

With the injury of veteran defenceman Hunter Brown, the team went to the glass where he was sitting for the team cheer.  This was an unprompted gesture of camaraderie 

The U13 Flyers had a fantastic year.  The older, testosterone filled 12 year-old players were wonderful mentors and protective teammates.  Their younger and much smaller 11 year-old teammates brought child-like enthusiasm to the rink.  They complimented each other terrifically.    They practiced hard.  They competed hard.  And they had a heck of lot of fun playing the game they love.  Coach Troy Stubiniski summed it up best - “these players were wonderful ambassadors for youth hockey and our community.  I cannot count the number of times I have been pulled aside by refs, opposing parents and coaches complimenting our team.  I am proud to be their coach”