ASTON, PA -- Brett Turner, a defenseman for the Philadelphia Little Flyers, has committed to Rivier University for the fall of 2021.
The 2000-born native of West Chester, PA recently finished his fourth and final season with the Little Flyers. The veteran defenseman grew up less than 20 minutes from IceWorks Skating Complex and was able to truly improve his game on his way up the ladder of the development from the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP), to the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and now onto NCAA hockey.
"As an organization we couldn’t be happier for Brett and his family on his college commitment to Rivier University," said Little Flyers head coach and general manager Mark Catron. "I had the privilege of coaching Brett for four seasons, he always came ready to work and gave everything he had to this team and organization. When we started the Premier team four years ago, Brett was one of the cornerstones of getting that program off the ground at a high level, the caliber of player he is automatically made us a contender. Brett continued to work hard and dedicate himself to one day being an NCAA student-athlete and he achieved that today with his commitment. Rivier is getting a smart hockey player both on and off the ice that can help the program establish themselves as NCAA competitors. I’m excited to see Brett compete and play at the NCAA level this fall."
Looking back first on Turner's time spent in the EHLP, and in 87 career games at that level, the steady defenseman tallied 53 total points. Included in those totals was the Little Flyers' first goal scored back at the 2019 EHLP Championship Game in Providence, RI.
The production for Turner carried over well to the EHL level, where he hit the ice for 97 total games over the course of his junior career, accumulating 40 more points along the way.
Turner is a great example of a player that stayed patient throughout the process, and now he feels very grateful for everyone that helped him along the way.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for all of their support during these past four years," said Turner. "Without them, my dream of playing college hockey could not be possible. I am also incredibly grateful for Coach Catron, Anthony Lorusso, my teammates, and the entire Philadelphia Little Flyers organization for all of their guidance, dedication, and support. I can’t thank them enough for such an amazing junior hockey experience. In addition, I want to thank all of my former coaches for their help during my hockey career. I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity that Coach Sorenson and his staff have given me. During my time as a Little Flyer, I helped to build a new EHL Premier program before spending three seasons in the EHL. I’m looking forward to the same opportunity at Rivier University and can’t wait to join Riv' Nation this fall!”
Learn more about the Little Flyers on the team's official website, and check out the full 2020-21 NCAA commitment list.