Aston, PA – The Philadelphia Little Flyers, members of the Eastern Hockey League are proud to announce 1997 birth year defenseman, Nick Magill-Diaz, has committed to attend Trine University in the fall of 2018 to continue his education and hockey career.  Magill-Diaz, a 5’9” 180lb native of Clawson, MI was an iron man for the Little Flyers this season, playing in 57 total games between the regular season and playoffs.  Trine University, located in Angola, Indiana will enter their second season competing at the NCAA Division 3 level in Men’s Ice Hockey during the 2018-19 season.  The Trine Thunder are current members of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.   “We’re very proud of Nick on his commitment to Trine.  As the EHL’s Defenseman of the year he was a big piece for us and had quite a few options to choose from.  I’m glad he has made his decision and can now start to focus on the fall. Nick is going to be extremely difficult to replace scoring almost a point per game for us and playing in all three situations, but also bringing a positive attitude and a great work ethic to the rink on a daily basis” said Little Flyers General Manager and Head Coach George Lewis.  In 50 regular season games, Magill-Diaz scored 10 goals and added 38 assists for 48 total points, averaging almost a point per game.  Five of Magill-Diaz’s 10 goals were game winners, proving to be a big time player in big situations.

               “I would like to thank Trine University and Coach Todd for this amazing opportunity to continue my educational and hockey careers.  I’d like to thank all the coaches that have developed me up through this past season, Coach Brad Jones, Coach Frank O’Connor and Coach Frank Scarpaci.  A special thanks to Coach George Lewis, Coach Mike Narrigan, and Coach Mark Catron for all the help in my development this past season.  I would also like to thank the Little Flyers organization, and the Giacobbo family for the opportunity to play for such a great program.  To my family, I can’t thank you enough for all the sacrifices and support shown through my hockey career, I wouldn’t be here with you.  Lastly thank you to my teammates, my second family, my brothers.  You have all touched my life and have helped me in some way that I am forever grateful to have met and played with such great people.  While I’m happy about the past I am very excited about what the future has to offer” said Magill-Diaz upon making his college decision.   

            In mid-March, Magill-Diaz was named the Eastern Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year, an end of the year award that is voted on by the EHL’s Head Coaches.  Magill-Diaz led all defenseman with 48 points and led all players in the EHL with 23 power play assists.  In addition to being named the Defenseman of the Year, Magill-Diaz was also named First Team All-Conference for the South.  “We are excited to see him at the next level.  He is headed to a new program where things are looking bright I think he will fit right in and help Coach Todd and his staff continue to build to be a very good team in the near future.  We wish Nick the best of luck we’ll miss having him around IceWorks” concluded Coach Lewis when speaking about the leagues reigning Defenseman of the Year.  Magill-Diaz will join Little Flyers Alum Christian Karbler, who will be going into his sophomore year with the Thunder in the fall of 2018.

            In Little Flyers EHL Head Coach George Lewis’ first year behind the bench all 1997 birth year players who are in their final season of junior hockey have committed to attend college and play hockey in the fall.