Flyers Struggle Through Tough Four-Game Stretch

The Junior Flyers struggle through their latest stretch of games.

The Goderich Flyers faced a difficult slate of games over the past two weeks, playing four games against some of the top teams in the division.

Despite flashes of strong play, the Flyers were unable to secure a win, as inconsistency, defensive breakdowns, and a lack of offensive production proved costly.

The stretch featured a pair of close losses in Mount Forest and Wingham but also saw the team outmatched in lopsided defeats to Hanover and Fergus.

Special teams remained a struggle, with the Flyers going just 2-for-14 on the power play while allowing five power-play goals against. With a handful of games left in the season, the team will be looking to turn things around and finish strong.

January 24: Late Goals Sink Flyers in 4-2 Loss to Mount Forest

The Flyers opened the weekend on the road against Mount Forest and held their own for much of the game. After falling behind early, Goderich responded with a first-period goal from Nate Bloemberg, assisted by Jared Houghton and Ryan McGee.

The teams traded goals in the second, with Leland Weber scoring on the power play to tie the game at 2-2.

However, Mount Forest capitalized late, scoring a power-play goal with two minutes remaining and adding an empty-netter to secure the win. Goaltender Tomas Brintnell had a strong performance despite the loss, making 49 saves on 52 shots.

January 25: Hanover’s Offense Overpowers Flyers in 7-2 Defeat

Goderich faced a relentless Hanover attack and was overwhelmed in a 7-2 loss at home. The Barons scored four goals in the opening period and never looked back, finishing the night with 53 shots on goal.

Ayden Hakkers got the Flyers on the board in the second period with his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Ryan McGee, while Kingston Powell (AP) added another later in the frame.

The Flyers struggled to contain Hanover’s speed and puck movement, surrendering three power-play goals. Christian DeJong started in net but was pulled midway through the second period, with Brintnell coming in to finish the game.

February 1: Flyers’ Late Push Falls Short in 8-5 Loss to Wingham

In a game that saw plenty of offense, the Flyers put together a strong second half but couldn't recover from a slow start.

Wingham stormed out to a 5-0 lead in the first period, forcing an early goaltending change as Brintnell was replaced by DeJong.

Goderich finally got on the board in the second period with goals from Powell and Hakkers, and the Flyers clawed their way back into the game with three third-period goals from Kaeden MacDonald, Bloemberg (on the power play), and Houghton.

Despite closing the gap to 7-5, the Flyers couldn’t find the equalizer, and Wingham sealed the game with an empty-net goal.

February 2: Flyers Shut Out in 5-0 Loss to Fergus

The Flyers wrapped up the stretch with a rough outing in Fergus, where they struggled to generate offense and were shut out 5-0.

Despite keeping the game scoreless through the first period, Goderich gave up two goals in the second and three more in the third.

Fergus controlled play throughout, outshooting the Flyers 45-19. Christian DeJong faced heavy pressure in net, making 40 saves.

The Flyers had four power-play opportunities but couldn’t capitalize, marking another frustrating night for the special team’s unit.

Upcoming Games:

• Sunday, February 9 – Goderich @ Walkerton – Walkerton Community Centre – 2:30 p.m.

• Friday, February 14 – Goderich @ Wingham – North Huron Wescast Community Centre – 8 p.m.

• Sunday, February 16 – Hanover @ Goderich – Goderich MRC – 8 p.m.

• Monday, February 17 – Goderich @ Kincardine – Davidson Centre – 2 p.m.

With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Flyers will need to find consistency and improve their execution in key moments. The upcoming road-heavy schedule will test their resilience.