Long-time Petrolia Minor Association coach Chris Fryfogle is now the head man behind the bench for the PJHL’s Petrolia Flyers.  

The 51-year-old was introduced at a news conference Monday.

He replaces Dale Timmermans who retired at seasons end after four years at the helm

“It’s an honour to become a head coach at the junior level,” said Fryfogle, the two-time PMHA Coach of the Year, during his opening remarks.

Fryfogle says his team will be prepared and relentless, something younger players in the area can aspire to.

“Everyone should want to play for the Flyers and if we move in the right direction, I hope everyone does.”

The team also announced that Erin White will return as an assistant coach and former Sarnia Legionnaire GM Tom Norris is joining the staff in that capacity too. Norris is a former head coach of the franchise when it was in Alvinston.

The Flyers also announced that they have been asked by the PJHL to move from the Stobbs Division to the Yeck Division beginning this season and have agreed to do so.

“Geographically, it’s a good fit,” said G.M. Dennis Meston.  “Our longest bus ride will be an hour and ten minutes, as opposed to two-and-half hours to get to Amherstburg.”

The Yeck Division includes teams in Parkhill, Exeter, Mt. Brydges, Thamesford, Dorchester, Lucan, Aylmer, and Port Stanley.

“Our goal is to not just to make the playoffs but be a top three team and advance from there,” said Fryfogle. “We can probably move up the ladder at little faster (in the Yeck) than in the Stobbs (division), and if we put in the work, we’ll get there.”

The new coach is familiar with many players having coached some on an OMHA winning squad with the Petrolia Oilers but is excited to see what other talent is available during training camp in mid-August.

“We’ll find out what we have and put the players in a position to where they can succeed,” he said.

“We’re going to have some fun, but you have to put the work in,” said the four-time regional Silver Stick champion coach.  “Put your hard hat on and get to work–that will be our philosophy.”