Flyers heading to Ontario Junior Hockey League

The Leamington Flyers are changing leagues and with that move, will be elevated to Junior A level. The following release was sent out to media on Wednesday, May 17.

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) announced last week that the Leamington Flyers have been approved as a 2023-2024 OJHL expansion team to begin play in the league next season.

“The OJHL is extremely excited to welcome the Leamington Flyers to the OJHL starting in the 20232024 season,” said OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy. “Throughout the OJHL expansion process, the entire Flyers organization displayed a commitment to be part of the OJHL in every aspect of the operations of a Junior A hockey team.”

The Flyers become the 23rd team in the OJHL and were selected through an extensive process led by the OJHL Expansion Committee that consisted of members from the OJHL, Ontario Hockey Association and the Ontario Hockey Federation.

Along with this announcement, Leamington has retained general manager Justin Solcz and head coach Dale Mitchell to lead the club next season.

“Joining the OJHL is a significant step forward for the Leamington Flyers organization and junior hockey in Southwestern Ontario,” Solcz said. “We are excited to continue our tradition of success at the Junior A level and provide our players with even more opportunities to develop and advance to the next level.”

“We are committed to operating a first-class organization both on and off the ice, and we look forward to contributing to the competitiveness and success of the entire league,” Solcz added.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our fans, volunteers and the Leamington community, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Flyers hockey in the OJHL.”

The Flyers have been one of the most successful teams within the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in both attendance and standings over the last number of years.

The club organization was formed in 1954 as an Intermediate team then in 1992 moved to the Junior B level of the Ontario Hockey Association.

In 2018 the club was purchased by a group of five local businessmen with strong hockey ties in Jason Melo, Dan Jancevski, David Halliwill, Cam Crowder and Craig Mahon with a commitment to continuing to build on the tradition of success of the franchise.

“We are thrilled to announce our entrance into the OJHL, marking a significant milestone for the Leamington Flyers organization,” Melo shares.

“This move represents more than just a change in the playing field; it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to developing young talent and propelling them to the next level of their hockey careers. We wholeheartedly embrace the responsibility of fostering their growth, providing them with top-tier training, and preparing them to excel at the highest level.”

“Our dedication to running a first-class organization has always been at the core of our mission and we look forward to our new partnership with the OJHL, who have continued to demonstrate why they are the ‘League of Choice,’” he continues. “None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our loyal fans. Their steadfast belief in our team and their unyielding enthusiasm create an electrifying atmosphere that fuels our players’ determination. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering loyalty, and we look forward to entertaining them and delivering more unforgettable moments and championships to the Town of Leamington.”

The Flyers captured the 2023 Sutherland Cup Championship after winning the Stan Moore Trophy for the best regular season in the GOJHL’s Western Conference. The Flyers currently have two players on the NHL 2023 Central Scouting List, three players committed to NCAA D1 programs and two players committed to the OHL for next season.

As they begin preparations for next season, Leamington will be holding an OJHL tryout camp on June 3 and June 4 at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre. More details will be available at www.leamingtonflyers. com.

The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, now with 23 member clubs. The closest team to Leamington is in Brantford.

At their annual wrap-up banquet, the Leamington Flyers bestowed awards upon several players. From left are Bryce Walcarius (MVP playoffs), Hayden Reid (Rookie of Year), Nolan McKibbin (Best Defenceman), Ryan MacPherson (MVP Regular Season), Gabe Piccolo (Coaches Award), Cody Brekke (Hardest Worker), Connor MacPherson (Leading Scorer) and Trevor LaRue (Unsung Hero).

The many volunteers it takes to make things happen, posing with both championship trophies.

Photo courtesy of Shelly J. Quick