Days after winning Ontario Junior B hockey's biggest prize, the Leamington Flyers are getting a promotion.
The Flyers, who last week beat the Stratford Warriors to win their first-ever Sutherland Cup, have been granted entry into the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), or Junior A hockey, for the 2023-2024 hockey season.
"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," said OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy in a media release. "The club has driven proven results, both on the ice with their recent Sutherland Cup championship, and with the advancement of players to the next level. The competitiveness of the team on and off the ice combined with the club’s business and community operations will be great assets to the entire OJHL."
Leamington also announced Wednesday that its leadership team will stay intact, with general manager Justin Solcz and head coach Dale Mitchell returning next season. Solcz calls the entry into junior A hockey significant for the region, as most OJHL teams are in the GTA and eastern Ontario.
"Joining the OJHL is a significant step forward for the Leamington Flyers organization and junior hockey in Southwestern Ontario," said Solcz. "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. 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 were founded in 1954 as an intermediate club and moved to the Junior B level in 1992. Most recently, the Flyers were an affiliate of the OHL's Flint Firebirds.
Preparations for the new season will soon begin, with the Flyers hosting an OJHL tryout camp on June 3 and 4 at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington. Details will soon follow on the team's official website.