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Wednesday, September 15, 2021
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Southpoint Sun - 25
New coach makes debut
Flyers fall to Maroons in first exhibition By C. Scott Holland LEAMINGTON — For the 140 fans who turned out for the first Jr. B action where fans were allowed, it was not quite the same as in previous years. Everything is different, with masks being worn, vaccination protocols to enter and social distancing, as well as no canteen service. For the team’s volunteers, photo IDs were done to allow quicker access and the first exhibition contest wasn’t without some behind-thescenes headaches. “We’re going to be a young team and there is much to learn,” said new Flyers head coach Dale Mitchell. The learning curve for the young players and new head coach and new assistant coach Mark Ridout is high and it will be especially hard to replicate the team’s success from the last decade. Like the Flyers, the other eight teams in the west have few veterans and for many of the teams, it is a rebuilding process. The two new coaches came to the team recently after Kyle Makaric — who was slated to be the head coach — left to take on head coaching duties with the Ottawa Junior Senators. During the game, both sides showed some nervousness at the outset and Chatham surged ahead on the game’s lone
powerplay opportunity at 19:39 of the first when Nolan McKibbin was sidelined for interference. That tally came off Dylan Glinski’s screen-shot blast that beat Flyers’ starter Boe Piroski. The big play that determined the outcome occurred near the midway point. The Flyers inserted spare goalie Tre Altiman who was peppered with shots immediately. During a span of 2:30, the Flyers allowed Chatham to notch three goals. Both teams had provided some good body-checking through the contest but once the Flyers were down 4-0 the checking increased. Chatham’s offense penetrated the Flyers zone often and the Flyers had few chances to notch a goal until late in the third when suddenly the Flyers injected some tenacity into that aspect of their game. Chatham starter Brendan Stroble went the distance and stopped 29 of 30 shots while Boe Piroski halted 12 of 13 and Altiman 16 of 19. The Flyers lineup was composed of 13 players who are 16 or 17 yearsold. The oldest Flyer was Tanner Flood who is 19. There were also five 18year-olds. The next home exhibition game is Thurs. Sept. 16 when the Flyers host the LaSalle Vipers at 7:10 pm.
The Flyers’ defense had their work cut out for theme as they try to contain a Chatham scoring attack. Here Flyers’ goalie Tre Altiman eyes the play and tries to track the puck. Scott Holland photo
Flyers name new coaching staff prior to season LEAMINGTON – Four former Windsor Spitfires will be manning the bench for the Leamington Flyers this season. The Flyers recently announced that Dale Mitchell will lead the team as their head coach for the 2021-22 campaign. The two-time Memorial Cup champion returns to the area after playing seven years of professional hockey in Europe. Six of those years were spent in Denmark with the Odense Bulldogs. Mitchell scored 294 points in his Ontario Hockey League career and scored 12 points in 10 career Memorial Cup tournament games, winning the CHL’s top trophy in 2008-09 and 2009-10. He was also selected in the third round, 74th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2007 NHL draft. “After getting to know Dale this summer, it became obvious he
would make a great head coach,” said Flyers general manager Justin Solcz, “He brings a unique perspective to our room and is a guy the players will immediately respect.” “I want to thank Justin DALE MITCHELL and the ownership for trusting me to coach this team,” Mitchell said. “I am extremely excited to coach and develop these young men. My philosophies are to make sure these guys love coming to the rink, working hard and getting better every day and I can’t wait to get started.” Mitchell resides in Kingsville with his wife Jaclyn and their
3-year-old son, Benjamin. Joining Mitchell behind the bench will be former Spitfires defenseman and Flint Firebirds Associate Coach, Mike Ridout. The Windsor native spent four seasons with his hometown Spitfires, suiting up for 179 games and amassing 39 points and 381 penalty minutes. Following his playing career, Ridout spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Windsor Lancers, followed by two years with the OHL’s Firebirds. “We are very fortunate to have Dale and Mark lead our program,” Solcz notes. “Both coaches aim to be full time coaches at higher levels so we are excited to offer them the opportunity to develop and help reach their goals.” Assistant coaches Mike James and Matt Anthony will also return to the staff.
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