Aston, PA --  The Eastern Hockey League recently announced its yearly awards, naming Philadelphia Little Flyers Head Coach Rocky Russo the EHL Coach Of The Year in the Premier Division.  The Little Flyers season was highlighted by a 30-game winning streak and 33-game unbeaten streak, shattering the old records of 12 wins in a row and the team point streak record of 20 games.  "Rocky is one of the hardest working coaches in the EHL," said Mark Kumpel, the EHL's Director of Hockey Operations. "Being named Coach of the Year is an unbelievable honor, and Rocky deserves it. To have the respect of all your peers is an incredible feeling."

                Since becoming the head coach of the Little Flyers for the 2013-14 season, Russo, has amassed an incredible record with 157 wins, 34 losses, 12 overtime/shootout losses and two ties over the span of 205 games for an impressive .765 Win percentage.  Russo has led his team to the playoffs in all four seasons he has been at the helm of the Little Flyers.  The work that Rocky puts in day in and day out for the success of the program and future success of his players is unmatched.  “It’s a well-deserved award for Rocky,” said Assistant Coach George Lewis.  “He puts in a ton of effort.  He has video for the team every day, good practice plans; he does a real good job with the systems and making adjustments.  It has been a lot of fun working with Rocky this season and learning from him, he has definitely earned this award.” 

                Player development is the number one priority of Russo and his staff, having moved thirty three players to the NCAA ranks in his time with the Little Flyers in the EHL.  Several players have also moved up to play Tier II junior hockey.  “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of high level coaches through my career and Rocky prepares every day for every situation as well as any coach I’ve been around,” said Assistant Coach Mark Catron.  “It shows in the success of the team and the product that has been put on the ice.  George and I have had a lot of fun working with Rocky this year and I want to congratulate him on being the recipient of this award, he’s earned it.” 

                Under Russo, the Little Flyers have won four consecutive division titles as well as three straight Eastern Hockey League regular season Championships; awarded to the team with the best overall regular season record.   "I am honored to receive such a prestigious honor," said Russo. "The EHL is extremely competitive and features many quality coaches who run first class organizations. To receive recognition from such a great group is very humbling. I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Giacobbo for their support and giving our staff the resources we need to properly run our program. I would like to thank George Lewis and Mark Catron for all of their hard work and diligence towards our team's success. The Coach of the Year Award is not an individual award, it is a group effort to achieve success at this level, and in saying that I accept this on behalf of our entire staff and most importantly our players. Without them committing to the goals we set out to achieve, we would not be in this position."

                Russo and his Little Flyers team are looking to cap its record setting season by winning the ultimate prize, the Championship in the EHL Finals.  A finals matchup against Mid-Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia Jr. Flyers is sure to be an exciting series, pinning the leagues two best teams against one another to win it all.