LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO – Dale Mitchell will be back behind the bench as the Leamington Flyers prepare for their inaugural season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
The Etobicoke native will return for his third season with the club, fresh off leading the Flyers to a 2023 Sutherland Cup Championship, their first in franchise history.
Mitchell owns a 71-23-4-0 regular season record with the Flyers, adding to that is his 28-11 playoff mark as a head coach.
Returning for his second year as a Leamington assistant coach will be Kyle Quick, while Tyler Mayea will join the team, also as an assistant coach.
Mayea, from Burlington, Ontario, enters the coaching ranks after a successful playing career that includes over 100 games played in the OJHL before playing CIS hockey for Ontario Tech for four seasons.
His pro career saw him in the lineup with the Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL), CBR Brave (AIHL – Australia) and the Birmingham Bulls (SPHL).
“I’m very excited to join an organization like Leamington,” Mayea says. “It’s an amazing opportunity coming off a Sutherland Cup championship and joining the OJHL. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the ownership, staff, players and the environment, and I look forward to getting to work right away.”
“Tyler will be a great addition to our staff with his playing experience at the university and the pro level,” Mitchell states.
Rounding out the staff, Don Mouck will continue his role as team trainer and Scott Simpson returns as equipment manager.
“I think we have an outstanding staff lined up for this year,” Mitchell continues. “It’s great to have Kyle Quick back after working so closely with him. He was a big part of our championship team last year.”
Assistant, Kade McKibbin will not be returning, as he pursues his post-secondary education for teacher’s college.
“A big thank you goes out to Kade for his two years, as well,” Mitchell comments. “He helped develop our defense core and we wish him all the best at school.”
The Leamington Flyers open the 2023-24 OJHL schedule on Thursday, September 7th when they host the Buffalo Jr. Sabres at 7:10pm at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.
