For Immediate Release

ROCKY’S COMING TO PHILLY

Aston, PA

The Philadelphia Little Flyers, members of the Eastern Hockey League, are pleased to announce the naming of Rocky Russo as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the 2013-2014 EHL Season.  Rocky joins the Little Flyers from NAHL powerhouse Amarillo Bulls.  Rocky served three years as Assistant Coach and Assistant Director of Hockey Operations where he was responsible for video breakdown, scouting, recruiting, practice planning & preparation, defensive and special teams’ bench coach.  Rocky was also instrumental in implementing community service efforts including “Bulls Hockey for Health”, a program where Bulls players attended local schools to teach students about the importance of eating healthy and taking care of your body. 

Rocky and the Bulls are coming off an incredible season after capturing Back to Back Regular season and South Division Championships and culminating with winning the 2013 Robertson Cup and National Championship.  Russo is no stranger to the Little Flyers Junior Program.  This year’s Bulls team saw former Little Flyers John Rey and Michael Davis hoist the Robby Cup.  John Rey (Robert Morris ’13) played for the Little Flyers in 2009 prior to joining Amarillo where he would lead the team as Captain on their journey to the cup this past season.  Michael Davis was 2010 AJHL Rookie of the year and leading scorer for the Little Flyers prior to headed out to Amarillo where he lead the team in scoring on his way to the cup.

Russo replaces Steve Washkalavitch who after three seasons as Head Coach stepped down to fulfill professional and family commitments.  Washkalavitch will continue to work in the organization as an Assistant GM and Advisor. “It is an honor and a privilege to be named the Head Coach And Director of Hockey Operations for such a prestigious program as the Philadelphia Little Flyers” Said Russo. John and Steve have built an excellent foundation and tradition here that I hope to continue to grow. Not just on the ice but also in the community.”

Prior to Amarillo, Russo was the assistant coach/director of scouting for the St. Louis Bandits in the NAHL.  During his time in St. Louis, the Bandits won the South Division Playoff championship and advanced to the Robertson Cup.

Before heading to St. Louis, Russo was the assistant coach for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in his hometown of Youngstown, OH.  While in Youngstown the Phantoms qualified for 4 consecutive Robertson Cups, including appearances in the National Championship game in 2007 and 2008.  Rocky also served as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Youngstown State University Men’s Hockey team.  During his time with the Penguins the team won the 2006 CHA League Championship.

During Russo’s Coaching career he has coached and recruited 82 players that have moved on to the NCAA College Hockey Ranks, including 62 at the NCAA Division I level.

Russo played his college hockey at Kent State University, where he graduated in 2005 with a degree in Business Management.  The Golden Flashes played in 3 National Tournaments during his time with the program.  Rocky is currently in the process relocating from Amarillo, TX and will join the team shortly.

John Giacobbo, Little Flyers Governor, “Rocky is a great fit for us, we are confident in his ability to coach and recruit at this level.  The 2013-2014 season will prove to be an exciting one for the Little Flyers”, said Giacobbo. 

The Philadelphia Little Flyers organization welcomes Rocky Russo and looks forward to a great season in the Eastern Hockey League.