Optimismistic Outlook Surrounds Flyers At Season's Outset

by C. Scott Holland

From the owners down to the fans, there's an abundance of optimism about the 2011/12 Leamington Jr. B Flyers.

Much of it stems from last season's turnaround and the fact that so far in pre-season the Flyers are a perfect 2-0. But like many other clubs at this time of year, the Flyers have made some significant changes to their roster replacing players who have left either because of overage, scholarships or school.

New GM Mike Sadler and head coach Tony Piroski and his assistant coaches have had a difficult time assessing the abundance of local talent during the last few weeks.

One of their most important moves was to name veteran defenseman Ron Soucie as the Flyers captain. Soucie has a wealth of OHL and Jr. B experience. In his rookie year as a member of the then Tecumseh Chiefs, Soucie, a Windsor Spitfires draft pick, was named the WOHL's MVP rookie defenseman and earned a spot on the rookie All-Star squad.

His size, on and off ice leadership, combined with his blueline presence will fill some of the void left with the departure of Leamington native Koddi Quick. Quick is attending Brock University on baseball scholarship. Another key member of the Flyers defense will be Brett Babkirk.

However, Babkirk needs to have a banner year to aid the club. The return of several veteran forward - Chris Scott, Tony Spidalieri, Alex Seguin, Eric Leardi, Matt Ogden, Cheyne Matheson and Tyler Quigley - will bolster a young offense which in exhibition has shown some significant ability to put goals on the scoreboard. Possibly add the presence of a much-improved local player Jon Woelk, Ryan Quigley and Rio Anzolin and the offense should be solid throughout three or four lines.

The loss of number one goalie Colin Greeley who originally had been expected to return won't hurt the club. Taking his place is Dartien Ekblad who in two exhibition contests has a 1.99 gaa.

Zach Olvin returns as the team's second netminder. Local fans will see many new faces in the lineup and should look for lineup changes to be implemented during September and october as OHL teams cut players. Several Flyers are presently in OHL camps. One of the Flyers toughest opponents this season may be the WOHL champs, St. Thomas Stars.

Like the Flyers, they will have quite a number of veterans back in the lineup. Likewise, Chatham under new head coach/GM Bill Bowler should have a strong veteran squad. So far, in exhibition play, Sarnia looks to have improved while London and St. Marys continue to pluck players from the University of Westerrn and Fanshawe College. Both LaSalle and Strathroy have lost a great deal of firepower and may not be as formidible an opposition as in the past. Lastly, Lambton Shores has hired Mark Davis as the team's new coach and in exhibition action under Davis, the club appears to be much more competitive. It will be an interesting 2011/12 season and perhaps it will be the year of the Flyers.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.