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18U Premier: Six Little Flyers sign Tier II Junior Tenders

By AL, 06/09/23, 1:45PM EDT

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Aston, PA --  The Philadelphia Little Flyers, members of the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) and North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are proud to announce Six Little Flyers from the 2022-23 18U Premier team have signed tenders to advance up the ranks in Junior Hockey.  Forwards Sammy Phillips (New Mexico – NAHL ), Hunter Hayes (Chippewa – NAHL), Joe Samango (Islanders Hockey Club – NCDC) along with defensemen Chase Hannon (Aberdeen – NAHL), Charles Antrilli (Johnstown – NAHL) and Goaltender Michael Manzi (El Paso - NAHL) will all be playing their first season of juniors this fall. “It’s exciting to see the opportunities these guys are creating for themselves as they advance through our program and developmental model that we have created. Our midget program has become nationally recognized, and top junior programs and colleges are taking note.” Said Little Flyers 18U Premier Head Coach Dave Dorman.  He continued “I’m grateful for the trust and confidence these young men have put in our organization in helping them achieve their dreams. I’m excited for all of them and look forward to continuing to support them on their journey.”   

Charles Antrilli- Defenseman – Johnstown (NAHL) – Antrilli, a native of Oaklyn, NJ played two seasons for the Little Flyers program, one at the 16U level and this past season at the 18U level.  The 5’9” 160LB 2005 birthyear defenseman has one year of Youth hockey eligibility left but will be heading to western Pennsylvania this summer for Tomahawks training camp.  In 29 League games this past season, Antrilli scored 8 goals and added 23 assists for the Little Flyers.  He finished 2nd in the AYHL amongst all 18U Premier defensemen in goals scored and was tied for 3rd in points. 

Chase Hannon – Defenseman – Aberdeen (NAHL) – Hannon, like Antrilli is a two-year player for the Little Flyers, suiting up for both of his 18U seasons in the orange and black.  A native of Philadelphia, the 6 Ft tall 170LB defenseman was as solid as they come last year for the Little Flyers.  In 29 League games, Hannon scored 9 goals and added 25 assists.  His play on the ice earned him several honors including AYHL All-Star, NAPHL All-Star and NAPHL All-Dixon Cup Team, he also led all AYHL 18U Premier defensemen in points with 19.  Chase will look to call Aberdeen, South Dakota home for the next two seasons with the Steel playing in the NAHL’s Central division. 

Sammy Phillips – Forward – New Mexico (NAHL) – Phillips comes off a very successful two year run with the Little Flyers in both AYHL and NAPHL play.  In 32 games this season, Phillips scored 18 goals and dished out 22 assists.  Sammy was named both an AYHL & NAPHL All-Star this past season, he led all AYHL 18U Premier forwards in assists with 17.  The 5’11” 175 LB playmaking forward from Franklinville, NJ will look to make an impact in Albuquerque with the Ice Wolves this fall as the team missed making the Robertson Cup Playoffs by a single point last season. 

Hunter Hayes – Forward – Chippewa (NAHL) – The 5’10” 175LB Lodi, California native played two seasons with the Little Flyers.  The California kid will be heading to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin next season.  Hayes appeared in 26 league games last season, scoring 18 goals, and handing out 12 assists in AYHL & NAPHL play.  Hunter also earned both AYHL and NAPHL All-Star game selections during the season. 

Joseph Samango – Forward – Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC)  - A lifelong Little Flyer and Havertown, PA native, Joe Samango will head to the Islanders Hockey Club this fall with one year of 18U eligibility remaining.  In 29 league games this past season, Samango scored 14 goals and added 17 assists.  Joey was selected to the AYHL All-Star game and finished 3rd in AYHL in goals amongst 19U Premier players with 11.  Joe will head to Tyngsboro, Massachusetts this fall to join the Islanders.   

Michael Manzi – Goaltender -  El Paso (NAHL) – Manzi had a stand out season for the Little Flyers between the pipes this past year, posting a 7-0-1 record with a 0.40 Goals against average and .982 save percentage in NAPHL games which led the league in those categories.  His strong play carried over into the AYHL as he had a 1.61 GAA and .938 save percentage.    All numbers that drew the attention of Coach Coombs and the Rhinos of El Paso Texas.  Manzi’s very impressive numbers earned him All-Star selections in both the AYHL and NAPHL.  

“Our entire organization is proud of these young men and all the things they have accomplished while playing here for the Little Flyers over the past several seasons.  Some of these players have played for us or in our rink since their squirt and peewee days so it’s exciting to see how they have developed and matured in both their hockey and lives off the ice” said Little Flyers Youth President Stephane Charbonneau.