Another season at the bottom of the standings would perhaps signal to many people that the Goderich Flyers are in for more of the same.
But that would be quite unfair. Despite finishing dead last in the Pollock Division, once returning Head Coach Paulie O'Byrne took over last year, the Flyers began to have a renewed sense of belief in the room, and that will hopefully carry over into this year, where Goderich aims to move up at least one place in the standings. They made a big trade, brought in some new young players, and have a great returning cast that will have nothing but room for improvement.
Up front, the Flyers were actually very capable, scoring the 4th most goals in the division at 144. That number should improve this year and maybe even creep into the top 3 offenses, despite losing second leading scorer Riley Connors (35 points) as he ages out. However, leading scorer Matt Bean (37 points) and third leading scorer Trent Michie (34 points) are both back to provide leadership and scoring punch. Eric Vander Eyk, who had an impressive 33 points, will also be back and looks to improve on his totals with a potential spot on the top line and power play. The Flyers also pulled off a blockbuster deal with Wingham, sending veteran scorer Chase Meurs and defender Braeden Duncan for stout defender Kyle Langlois and speedy young forward Parker Gibbings. Gibbings impressively had 16 points in 38 games last year as he was more of a role player in Wingham. He will get a chance to shine in Goderich and looks to have the in-tight scoring ability that can vastly improve the Flyers power play. Even better news up front; the Treble's are back. Cody (31 points) and Chad (24 points) will continue to be useful penalty killers and add even further depth to what looks to be a potent offensive force.
If there's one glaring area that Goderich needs to improve upon, it's their own end. The Flyers have been porous in recent years, and that continued last season, as the Flyers were the only club in the Pollock Division to give up 200+ goals (235). That number just plain and simple needs to be cut way down if Goderich have any hopes of improving, let alone advancing in the playoffs. That sparked the trade to bring in Langlois from Wingham, who is more of a defensively sound defender than an offensive catalyst, though he impressively put up 14 points last year behind Carter Collinson. He will get a ton of ice time and try to help the Flyers better protect their crease. Impressive youngster Brennan Long has graduated to Jr. B St. Marys, but Head Coach Paulie O'Byrne likes what he sees in 16-year-old Jack Stecho, who is a Huron-Perth Lakers alumni and can really skate. He will get an opportunity right away to be on the top pair with Langlois and rush the puck as much as possible. Another young defender returning is Griffin MacDonald, who had an injury last year but played in 10 games for the Flyers. O'Byrne says they have many other young players they are currently looking at to fill out the blue line, and going young may help the Flyers wipe the slate clean and build up a more formidable core that plays the style desired by the coaches. That is the hope.
In the net, Goderich will turn to returning goalie Jarron Thompson, who had 10 appearances last year backing up the departed Kevin Linker. Thompson could only muster 1 win behind a bad defence, going 1-6 in his 7 starts with a 5.82 GAA and .832 save percentage. Those numbers will improve as the defensive side of the team improves, and Thompson never quit even as scores got bloated at times last year. He's big and mobile enough to be a stabilizing presence if the Flyers can help him out more. It is worth noting that Thompson was the goalie in the lone win for Goderich in the first round against Wingham, stoning some of the best players in the division. Goderich are hoping that becomes are more consistent thing. At the time of writing, the FLyers were still mulling over a number of backup candidates, but it is clear that the job is Thompson's to lose at the top.
Goderich have a lot going for them, and I actually predict they won't finish dead last this year. That all depends though on a lot of new defenders and their ability to buy in and understand Coach O'Byrne's high pressure system without having too many breakdowns. If they can reduce their goals against to under 200, they have a great chance at making some noise. The Flyers open the season Saturday, September 14th at home to Kincardine at 7:30. For more on the upcoming Goderich Flyers season, listen to the full length interview with Head Coach Paulie O'Byrne.
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