The Philadelphia Little Flyers are pleased to announce that Goaltender Mason Riley (Turnersville, NJ) has committed to attend and play varsity hockey at Worcester State University (NCAA DIII, MASCAC) for the 2012/2013 season.

“Mason joined us late in the season and played outstanding in net to earn the opportunity to play at an NCAA University. He seized an opportunity given to him, and he was prepared for the challenge. Riley was playing somewhere out in Iowa in a league that was not providing him exposure to NCAA hockey programs. With a wealth of NCAA college hockey programs here in the East, it was an obvious choice to join us here in Philadelphia. In just 3 short weeks Mason was on the radar of several NCAA Hockey programs. His story is a testament to the exposure that the Philadelphia Little Flyers and the Atlantic Junior Hockey League provide its players and the far reaching network of the coaches in this league” said Steve Washkalavitch, Head Coach of the Little Flyers AJHL team.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Coach Washko and the Little Flyers have given me here in Philadelphia and would like to thank them for all their help and support. I look forward to attending Worcester State University and competing every day. I owe my recent success to my teammates who played great hockey in front of me. Lastly I’d like to thank my family, who have given their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my youth and junior hockey careers” said Riley.

Worcester State University is located in Worcester, Massachusetts where the Knights compete in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, NCAA Division III. Lead by Coach John Guiney the Knights continue play tonight in MASCAC Playoff Tournament where they are competing for a Conference Title and a trip to the NCAA DIII National Tournament.

“Worcester is getting a great person in Mason Riley and in return Mason will receive a great education from a fine institution. We are very excited for Mason and wish him the best of luck with his future hockey endeavors” said Steve Washkalavitch.

The Philadelphia Little Flyers organization congratulates Mason Riley on this proud accomplishment and wishes him the best of luck at Worcester State University.