The Goderich Junior Flyers are six games into their 2024-25 season, currently holding a 2-4 record.
Led by head coach and general manager Todd Norman, the team has faced early challenges but has also shown moments of resilience and growth.
With standout performances from rookie Kingston Powell and team captain Carson Stutzman, the Flyers are steadily building towards consistency.
Game Results so Far:
• September 14: 4-2 loss vs. Fergus Whalers
• September 21: 5-2 win vs. Walkerton Capitals
• September 22: 6-3 loss vs. Mitchell Hawks
• September 27: 4-2 loss @ Wingham Ironmen
• September 28: 7-5 win @ Hanover Barons
• September 29: 5-3 loss vs. Mount Forest Patriots
In their second game of the season the Goderich Flyers secured their first win, defeating the Walkerton Capitals 5-2 on Saturday, September 21.
The Flyers showed resilience and determination as they bounced back from their opening game loss, with key performances from several players, including a standout night from newly acquired forward Jack Stecho and a milestone goal for rookie Kingston Powell.
First Period: Fast Start for Flyers:
Walkerton opened the scoring early with a goal from Andreas Alves at 2:45, but the Flyers quickly answered on the power play. At 3:39, Iain MacIsaac scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Jack Stecho and Kaedan MacDonald, tying the game.
Just two minutes later, Goderich added another, as Jackson Andrews found the back of the net off a feed from Jared Houghton and Stecho, making it 2-1. The Flyers continued to press, and at 15:13, Trent Carter extended the lead to 3-1 with an assist from Kingston Powell.
Walkerton managed to cut the deficit with a late goal by Aiden Stanley at 16:41, but Goderich ended the first period on top, 3-2.
Second Period: Flyers Hold Steady:
The second period was a defensive battle, with both teams playing conservatively and limiting chances. Despite a few power-play opportunities, neither side could break through. The Flyers remained composed and maintained their 3-2 lead heading into the final period.
Third Period: Powell Scores First PJHL Goal Amid Scrappy Play:
The third period began with more intensity and physicality from both teams. At 11:19, rookie forward Kingston Powell scored his first career goal in the PJHL, putting Goderich up 4-2.
Powell’s milestone goal was assisted by Iain MacIsaac and, once again, Jack Stecho, who is proving his value since his trade from the Exeter Hawks earlier this month. Stecho, a local player, notched his third assist of the night, continuing his strong impact early in the season.
The final period was marked by rising tensions, as the game grew more aggressive. Scrums and scuffles became frequent, with penalties flying on both sides.
At 10:49, a confrontation involving Iain MacIsaac led to multiple penalties, including a 10-minute misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct and a facemask penalty.
Walkerton, frustrated with the scoreline, saw several players hit the penalty box as well, as tempers boiled over and roughing penalties piled up. The Flyers, however, kept their composure during the chaotic stretches, staying disciplined and focused on securing the win.
As Walkerton pulled their goalie late in a desperate attempt to close the gap, Jeremy Hamilton sealed the victory for the Flyers with an empty-net goal at 18:25, putting the game out of reach at 5-2.
Final Thoughts of the Flyers’ First Win of the Season:
With their first win of the season, the Flyers demonstrated their depth, discipline, and ability to handle pressure. Goaltender Brady Galbraith was a crucial part of the win, making 37 saves on 39 shots.
Jack Stecho’s three-assist night highlighted his immediate impact after being acquired from Exeter, while Kingston Powell’s first PJHL goal provided a significant boost to the offense.
The third period’s physicality and numerous penalties tested the Flyers’ resolve, but they rose to the challenge, keeping their composure while Walkerton’s frustrations grew. This well-rounded performance sets a solid foundation for the Flyers as they look to continue their momentum.
Key Wins and Memorable Moments:
One of the season’s highlights so far has been the Flyers’ dominant 5-2 win over the Walkerton Capitals on September 21. Goderich controlled the pace from start to finish, with strong contributions from across the lineup.
Kingston Powell was instrumental in this victory, showing poise beyond his years and tallying multiple points to guide the Flyers. Carson Stutzman also led by example, contributing with his two-way play. This win was a major confidence booster for the Flyers, giving them their first victory of the season.
However, their most impressive victory came a week later, on September 28, in a thrilling 7-5 win against the Hanover Barons. As the reigning conference champions, Hanover entered the game with a formidable reputation, having just come off an 11-2 win the night before.
Despite Hanover’s firepower, Goderich never trailed in the game. Powell opened the scoring early, and the Flyers matched Hanover’s offensive output with disciplined, calculated play. Though the game was tied several times, Goderich scored the final two goals in the third period to secure the win.
Kingston Powell, again, was at the forefront with two goals, including the game-winner late in the third period. Carson Stutzman had a standout performance, tallying four points (one goal, three assists) and leading the team both offensively and defensively.
Assistant coach Ken Jacklin praised the Flyers’ resilience.
“It was a great team effort with lots of energy from start to finish,” said Jacklin.
“Even when Hanover pushed back, we didn’t stop, and it was a true team game.”
This win showed the Flyers could compete with the league’s top teams.
Positives in Defeat:
While the Flyers have suffered four losses this season, several positives can be taken from those games. In their season opener on September 14, Goderich lost 4-2 to the Fergus Whalers, but they showed tenacity by keeping the game close.
The Flyers demonstrated resilience after an early Fergus lead, with key players like Ryan McGee and Carson Stutzman finding the back of the net. Despite the loss, the team’s ability to compete from start to finish was promising.
Their 4-2 defeat on September 27 against the Wingham Ironmen was another hard-fought battle. The Flyers dominated possession in the third period, limiting Wingham’s chances and showing determination to claw back.
Unfortunately, an empty-net goal and a wave-off of icing under the hybrid rules allowed Wingham to secure the victory. However, the Flyers’ strong play in that final period is something they can build on in future games.
Against Mount Forest on September 29, the Flyers held a 3-2 lead early in the third period, with standout goals from Stutzman, Jared Houghton, and Austin Waite.
But a costly penalty and a late push by Mount Forest led to a 5-3 defeat. Despite the loss, the Flyers continued to showcase their offensive potential and strong work ethic, competing until the final whistle.
Special Teams and Areas for Improvement:
While the Flyers have shown strength in even-strength situations, special teams remain a challenge. Through six games, Goderich has managed three power-play goals but has also conceded two shorthanded goals.
The coaching staff is undoubtedly focused on tightening up the penalty kill and finding ways to make the power play more effective. Despite the early setbacks, the team’s work ethic and discipline are improving, and there is every reason to believe that these issues will be addressed as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead:
With a solid foundation of young talent and experienced leadership, the Flyers are poised to bounce back and climb the standings.
Their next challenge comes on Saturday, October 5, when they host the Wingham Ironmen at the Maitland Recreation Centre. Following that, the Flyers will face Hanover on the road on October 11 before returning home to take on the Walkerton Capitals on October 12.
Final Thoughts:
Though the Flyers’ start has been inconsistent, there are plenty of positive signs for the remainder of the season. The team’s ability to compete against tough opponents shows they have the potential to achieve more than their current record reflects.
With improvements to special teams and a focus on consistent play, the Flyers are set to make a strong push as the season progresses.
The next few games for the Junior Flyers include a face off against Wingham on home ice on Saturday, October 5 at 8 p.m., head to Hanover on Friday, October 11, and host Walkerton on Saturday, October 12.
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