As the calendar turns to August, the Leamington Flyers are turning to some familiar faces as they are preparing for the 2020-2021 season.
After COVID-19 forced the Flyers and the remaining GOJHL teams to halt semi-final games in March, the Flyers are now building towards the 2020-21 season. And they are doing so by signing five skaters, all born in 2003.
The five skaters spent last season playing Windsor Midget AAA, where they were coached by former Flyers’ assistant coach Zack Percy. With three of the five skaters dressing with the Flyers as affiliated players.
This past season Kale Couvillon lead his Jr. Spitfires in goals (29) and points (38) while appearing in 35 games. Couvillon would later be selected by the Flint Firebirds in the first round, 16th overall in the OHL U18 draft. The 5’6” and 175lbs forward appeared in one game for the Flyers this past season and was held scoreless. Couvillon earned a nod to the Alliance All-Star team.
Joining Couvillon is his linemate, Alex Cunningham. Alex was second in team scoring as he potted 18 goals and added 19 assists for 37 points in 35 games. Standing at 6’1” and 180 lbs, Cunningham will add size and skill to the Flyers lineup. In 2018-2019, Cunningham finished fourth in team scoring behind now Flyer teammate Nicholas Beneteau. Cunningham earned a spot on the Alliance All-Star team this past season.
Still with the forwards, the Flyers added Gabe Piccolo to the team. Piccolo finished third in team scoring, as he registered 13 goals and added 26 assists for 36 points in 34 games. Piccolo was captain of the midget team, while also earning a spot on the Alliance All-Star team. The 5”8 and 155 lbs. forward also appeared in 4 games as an AP this past season, recording 1 assist.
Switching to the back-end, the Flyers filled holes on the back end by signing a pair of defenders.
Josh Cyrenne is a familiar name to Flyers fans, as he has appeared in five games over the last two seasons with the team. And this past season, the 6’4” 185lbs defenseman recorded 20 points in 31 games. Cyrenne’s performance earned him an Alliance All-Star team nod, while he was also the top scoring defenseman on his team.
Rounding out the signings is 6’0” and 160 lbs defenseman Ryan Clark. The right shot defended appeared in 35 games for the Jr. Spitfires this past season, recording 8 points.
The five players join the pair of 2004 born players Gavin Grundner and Koen Taves who were signed earlier in July. Grundner stands at 5’11” and 165 and was selected in the 9th round, 172nd overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Draft. While Taves was selected in the 7th round, 132nd overall by the Storm in the 2020 OHL Draft. Taves appeared in five games as a Flyer AP this season.
As the Flyers prepare for the upcoming season, be sure to check LeamingtonFlyers.com and follow the team on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the team.
