Smiles on the Isle: Flyers Prospects & Fans Enjoy 2017 Trial on the Isle
Jamie Almond and Nicole Ritts
Every summer, Stone Harbor plays host to Flyers prospects and their fans for a day of hard work and fun on the beach as part of the team’s development camp. The Trial on the Isle was started by Flyers trainer Jim McCrossin and his wife, Robyn, as a way to give back to the community in which they live and to support local causes.
“It is a chance for the fans to get to know the players and the players to get to know the fans,” McCrossin says.
The event has grown over the years and has become a true success. Players are given specific instructions that force them to be creative and work together as a team. This event brings lasting memories and bonds the team.
With a large population of Seven Mile Beach’s summer visitors coming from Greater Philadelphia, this event has become a popular tradition for dedicated Flyers fans. “Philly fans are the best and don’t want their teams to let them down,” McCrossin says. Philadelphia’s passion for their sports teams seems to supersede typical fandom.
The day began bright and early on a beautiful day July 12. A select group of local boys from the Cape Express Soccer Club led the Flyers prospects to the beach for a day of training, team-bonding and fan interaction. Participants were challenged to build sand castles, run along the beach and compete in a potato sack race. The morning activities ended with a bubble soccer game at the 80th Street Recreation Field. This made for a humorous spectacle, leaving everyone with a smile on their face. The team took a break from the activities and fueled up at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor for an afternoon lunch with breathtaking views.
Right winger Wade Allison participated last year after he was drafted in the second round. “I live on a farm,” he says, “so I really enjoy being outside on the ocean and doing all of the activities.” Among the activities was meeting young fans and answering questions such as, “What is your favorite food?” The players definitely enjoy their interactions with fans and light up around the little ones.
Following lunch, the Flyers’ prospects ran a street-hockey clinic and demonstrated some of the sport’s basic techniques for young fans. After the session, the Flyers crew went inside the Stone Harbor Elementary School for a meet-and-greet and to sign autographs. Fans were beaming when they met their favorite prospects. The players, too, were excited to meet the fans. “I love meeting the fans and appreciate all of their support,” center Connor Bunnaman says. The Trial on the Isle concluded at the 96th street beach with a prospect volleyball tournament.
Flyers hopefuls left with smiles on their faces after a long week of camp. Everyone had a great time while supporting a great cause. All proceeds go to the American Legion Post 331 in Stone Harbor.