With 19 teams and approximately 390 players across the full organization, the Little Flyers have built a developmental structure designed to give young athletes opportunities to learn, compete, grow, and advance through the game. That pathway begins at Girls 8U and extends all the way through Junior A.

This season, the Little Flyers will field two DVHL girls teams at the 10U and 12U levels, with both groups playing an important role in the continued growth of the organization.

For the Little Flyers, these age levels are about far more than the standings.

They are where confidence begins to grow, where habits are formed, where friendships develop, and where young players begin to see just how far hockey can take them.

Building from the Bottom Up

The continued growth of girls hockey is one of the biggest sources of excitement around the Little Flyers organization.

The club believes long-term success begins at the youngest age levels, which is why continued investment in 8U, 10U, and 12U girls hockey remains such a priority.

At those ages, the focus is on creating strong foundations in skating, puck skills, hockey IQ, decision-making, teamwork, and confidence.

Just as importantly, the Little Flyers want players to develop a genuine love for coming to the rink.

The goal is to create an environment where young athletes enjoy learning, are comfortable making mistakes, challenge themselves, and gradually gain the confidence to take the next step.

A Pathway Players Can See

One of the greatest strengths of the Philadelphia Little Flyers is that younger players don’t have to imagine what the next level looks like.

They can see it.

With teams extending through older youth divisions and into Junior A, the organization provides a visible path for development.

A young girl entering the program can watch older Little Flyers train and compete and begin to envision her own future in the sport.

That exposure is especially valuable at IceWorks Skating Complex, the organization’s four-sheet home facility.

With multiple teams, coaches, and levels of hockey under one roof, young players are constantly surrounded by the game.

For the Little Flyers, that environment helps create aspiration.

It shows players that the work they put in today can open doors tomorrow.

Development Over Short-Term Results

The Little Flyers coaching philosophy is centered on long-term development rather than short-term outcomes.

At 10U and 12U, coaches emphasize skating fundamentals, puck skills, hockey awareness, creativity, decision-making, compete level, and confidence.

Players are encouraged to think, try new things, and learn through experience rather than playing afraid of making mistakes.

Success is measured by much more than wins and losses.

A successful season means players finish the year as stronger skaters, smarter hockey players, better teammates, and more confident young athletes than when they began.

That philosophy extends well beyond technical hockey development.

The Little Flyers also place a strong emphasis on accountability, resilience, sportsmanship, respect, commitment, and teamwork.

Coaches Who Shape More Than Hockey Players

At the youngest age levels, coaching carries tremendous responsibility.

The Little Flyers recognize that coaches are not simply teaching systems, positioning, or puck skills.

They are often shaping how young athletes experience competition for the first time.

The organization’s coaches are expected to challenge players, encourage them, communicate clearly, and create an environment where athletes feel comfortable asking questions and learning through mistakes.

Most importantly, the Little Flyers want coaches who make players excited to return to the rink.

The belief is simple: if players develop a lifelong love for the game, the rest of their hockey journey has a much stronger foundation.

A Culture Built Around the Player

Development, teamwork, respect, accountability, sportsmanship, commitment, and enjoyment of the game remain at the heart of the Philadelphia Little Flyers.

The club wants players to understand that success goes beyond the scoreboard.

It means being coachable.

Supporting teammates.

Responding positively to adversity.

Respecting opponents and officials.

Representing the jersey the right way.

That philosophy also extends to families.

The Little Flyers recognize the commitment youth hockey requires from parents and families, and the organization places a premium on communication, consistency, and building an environment where everyone understands the larger goal.

Years from now, players may not remember the score of every game.

They will remember teammates, coaches, road trips, tournaments, locker rooms, and the feeling of being part of something.

That is the experience the Little Flyers want to create.

57 Years of Tradition — and Still Growing

The Philadelphia Little Flyers have been part of the local hockey landscape for nearly six decades.

Today, nearly 400 players represent the organization, but its greatest point of pride remains the development of players from within.

Watching an athlete begin at one of the youngest age levels, progress through the program, grow in confidence and ability, and eventually pursue higher levels of hockey represents everything the Little Flyers hope to accomplish.

The organization is equally proud of the relationships created along the way.

Championships matter.

Individual accomplishments matter.

But friendships, memories, and a connection to the game often last much longer.

That is why former players and families remaining connected to the organization means so much.

Looking Ahead

The vision for the coming years is clear: continue strengthening the Little Flyers developmental pathway while expanding opportunities for girls throughout the organization.

Building strong 8U, 10U, and 12U programs is central to that future.

The goal is for players to grow together, advance together, and feel they have found a hockey home where they can continue pursuing their goals without leaving the community that helped them begin.

Under the leadership of Club President Stephane Charbonneau, the Little Flyers enter another season focused on development, opportunity, and creating an environment where young athletes can thrive.

The message entering the season is one the entire organization can share:

Compete with passion. Treat others with respect. Support your teammates. Embrace mistakes as part of development. And never lose sight of why you started playing the game.

Wins and losses will always be part of competitive hockey.

But for the Philadelphia Little Flyers, the true measure of the 2026–27 season will be whether their players improve, gain confidence, build friendships, create lasting memories, and finish the year loving hockey even more than when it began.

Philadelphia Little Flyers at a Glance
DVHL Girls Teams: 2
Total Organization Teams: 19
Players: Approximately 390
Girls Development Pathway: 8U through Junior A
Home Rink: IceWorks Skating Complex
Club President: Stephane Charbonneau
Years in Existence: 57

What to Watch in 2026–27

The continued growth of girls hockey at the 10U and 12U levels will be one of the most important stories for the Little Flyers this season. With a clear pathway through the organization, a strong developmental philosophy, and nearly six decades of tradition behind them, the club is focused on building the next generation of female hockey players.