The Goderich Flyers have their top four scorers returning to the team from last season, and all were rookies in 2023-24.
The young guns are back.
That is giving General Manager and Head Coach Todd Norman confidence in the direction the team is going in, along with a foundation, albeit young.
“Overall, I like the look of the group. We will be improved. I don’t know exactly where we will fit in the standings but we’re going to ice a much more competitive team,” stated Norman in an interview with CKNX’s Ryan Drury.
Among the returning players, Leland Weber (Listowel). He led the team in goals (10) and points (24).
Joining him up front are Jackson Andrews (Waterloo), Jared Houghton (Kincardine) and Trent Carter (Clinton).
Forward Carson Stutzman (Lucknow) will also suit up for the Flyers again, his third season. Norman calls him a good leader and provides a lot of support for the younger players.
On the blueline, Jeremy Hamilton (Listowel) also returns and will have some help this season. Austin Waite joins the team after spending his previous seasons with the Kincardine Bulldogs. The 21-year old overager from Chatsworth is expected to add experience to the young team.
There have also been other additions, including the return of Goderich native Ian MacIsaac. He played in Goderich in 2022-23 and had 26 points as a rookie and then made the jump to the GOJHL’s Sarnia Legionnaires last season. However, injury cut his season short as he appeared in just 12 games.
There are also some younger players that are expected to have an immediate impact including Kaedan MacDonald (Blyth), who joins the Flyers after skating with the Huron-Perth Lakers.
Ryan McGee makes the jump from the Stratford ‘AA’ program to junior hockey this year, and the Flyers also picked up Kingston Powell, both Goderich natives.
But while Norman feels the team’s scoring will be improved, they still have to play a tight checking game because according to Norman, you can’t outscore your challenges.
As of late last week, Goderich still had roster spots to fill, but Norman says they have to be filled with the ‘right players’ who are willing to play specialized roles.
Another undecided position for the Flyers at the time of the interview, goaltending.
The Flyers had four goalies to camp, including last year’s duo of Christian DeJong and Logan Bromley. They split time in the crease and were busy in 2023-24.
Both faced an average of 34 shots per game. Bromley appeared in 24 games, DeJong in 23.
“As a GM, or someone that is trying to build a team, it doesn’t matter the position, you’re always trying to look for the best players and improve the team as best you can,” said Norman.
As for the leadership team, Norman has added Head Coaching duties to his plate and will get help from Ken Jacklin.
Jacklin won a division title as part of the Mitchell Hawks coaching staff in 2021-22.
Former Flyers Trent Buchannon and Kyle Langlois round out the bench.
Norman feels it is important that there is clear communication between everyone in the organization, especially with a young team.
“When you have a vision for the way you want to see a team or organization, the direction you want to go in, sometimes you need to put your stamp on that.”
Norman and company are focusing a lot on culture this year and inviting players who are going to play for the right reasons.
“The biggest thing is to create an atmosphere where you are doing the right thing for the kids. Build a culture based on hard work, teaching the kids your philosophy of the game,” explained Norman.
He says last year the team stuck it out and commended everyone for their efforts. Practices were well attended, and there was a continuous effort.
He’s looking for the same commitment this year.
“I think they (the players) can see things are trending in the right way. It’s not an overnight process, especially with the talent we have in the Pollock Division. We know it’s going to be a grind but we are looking forward to it,” Norman pointed out. “These kids are playing hockey because they want to play on the weekends and they’re good enough to play Junior hockey.”
Goderich opens their regular season at home on September 14 against Fergus at 8 p.m.
For a full breakdown of the Goderich Flyer's upcoming season, check out the full interview with GM and Head Coach Todd Norman here, courtesy of Instigating with Clarkey and Drury: