Boston, MA   In one of the Eastern Hockey League’s (EHL) premier events of the year, the EHL All-Stars faced off against two of the top NCAA programs in the country at the NCAA Division III level in Curry College and UMass Boston.  The Philadelphia Little Flyers were represented in the event by current EHL Captain, Forward Kyle Patton and 2nd year defenseman Avery Arnold.  "This event brings with it one of my favorite weeks of the season," said Neil Ravin, the Associate Commissioner of the EHL. "Our players get the chance to play college hockey RIGHT NOW, while they're still developing at the junior hockey level. The response we've received over this annual event from the NCAA Division II and III community has been amazing, and I hear from so many people about how the dates are always circled on the calendar."

Patton, a second year forward from Holland, PA is off to a hot start for the Little Flyers.  In 10 games, the captain has 13 points, including a league high three shorthanded goals.  “To me, being selected for this all-star showcase proves once again the power of God.  He gave me nothing in my life, but my faith in Him and my trust in Him ultimately gave me the successes I had at Deerfield and the time I've spent in the EHL. This selection only strengthens my confidence in Him and makes me want to spread His word even more. I'm flattered and humbled by this selection, but my goals in hockey are set, not to impress any scout or person. They're set solely to honor God and show his power. I am looking forward to this opportunity, as well meeting more of the leadership throughout the league. Finally, I look forward to representing Philadelphia Little Flyers and hopefully coming home with two wins for the EHL” said Patton upon being selected for the All-Star game. 

The EHL All-Stars played Curry College on Friday, Patton helped team EHL get on the board early in the game with an aggressive forecheck on Curry College defenseman and Little Flyers alumni Nick Magill-Diaz, forcing a turnover to Connecticut Roughriders forward Colin Bella who scored a short-handed goal from a sharp angle.  Down the other end of the ice EHL All-Star Avery Arnold battled Curry College forward, Little Flyers Alumni and one of the top scorers in EHL history in Alex Ochterbeck. 

Arnold, a second-year defenseman from Camp Hill, PA has been a huge difference maker on the Little Flyers penalty killing unit which currently ranks 1st in the EHL and has successfully killed 42 of 43 penalties thus far.  “Being selected for this all-star game is an amazing feeling.  This is my last year of junior hockey and my last year to show my talents in front of college coaches. This is a great opportunity to be able to play against and in front of these colleges. I am very honored and humbled to be selected to participate in these games” said Arnold on his All-Star selection.

Saturday’s contest against the UMass-Boston Beacons gave Little Flyers fans the chance to see more of the current All-Stars against Philadelphia alumni, including Senior defenseman, Evan Heldt and Junior Defenseman Nick Daluisio.  Daluisio, is very familiar with both Patton and Arnold as he skated with the Little Flyers last season while the NCAA season was on hold due to Covid-19.  “They (Patton and Arnold) both played well, it was good to catch up with those two guys.  I wish them and all of the Little Flyers the best of luck this season, I’m excited to see what happens this year!”  said Daluisio after the matchup against the EHL All-Stars.

Patton, Arnold and their Little Flyers teammates are back in action this Friday on home ice at IceWorks Skating Complex against the New Jersey 87s, puck drop is set for 12:00 PM.