LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO – The Leamington Flyers are excited to announce Head Coach, Dale Mitchell is expanding his role within the organization and will be serving as General Manager and Head Coach for the 2025-26 season.
Mitchell takes over as back-to-back OJHL General Manager of the Year, Justin Solcz is departing the team to take an assistant coach role with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.
“Dale has proven himself as an exceptional leader, both behind the bench and in our locker room,” said Flyers President Jason Melo. “He’s earned the trust of our players, staff, and community, and we are confident that under his expanded leadership, the Flyers will continue to thrive and push toward a championship. I’d also like to thank Justin for his outstanding contributions to our program—his impact on our growth over the past several years has been extraordinary, and we wish him continued success in the OHL.”
Since joining the Flyers as head coach, Mitchell has compiled a 150-44-12-4 regular season record and consecutive West Conference Finals appearances in the OJHL.
His playoff mark stands at 45-20, including being behind the bench for the franchise’s first Sutherland Cup championship in 2022.
“I’m very happy for Justin as he moves on to the next level,” Mitchell says. “We’ve worked side by side for the past four seasons, and I’ve learned a great deal from the experience. We always shared the same goals—prioritizing player development and putting the players first. I wish him all the best in this next chapter, and I know we’ll continue to stay in touch and exchange ideas.”
Solcz has been with the Leamington Flyers since the 2018-19 season and ushered the team from the GOJHL into the OJHL two seasons ago, building a club that has been to two West Conference championship series and one West Conference regular season title, along with his GM of the Year accolades.
More information is available online at www.leamingtonflyers.com
