A Journey Inspired by Hockey Dreams
In the early morning hours, before the sun had a chance to rise, Ben Souders and Tyler Hostetter embarked on a familiar yet exhilarating journey. The destination was the Quebec International Peewee Hockey Tournament, a prestigious event that has become an annual highlight for these two coaches, who once had their own dreams of making it to the NHL. However, coaching was never part of their original plans. As the bus navigated through snowy landscapes, the two friends found themselves reflecting on how their paths had led them to this unexpected but fulfilling role.
From Players to Coaches
Ben Souders, a native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, pursued his education at Drexel and New England College, where he rediscovered his love for hockey. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Drexel and later earned his master’s in clinical psychology at New England College, all while playing as a forward for the university team. His ultimate goal was to become an NHL team’s sports psychologist, but the steep climb and the demanding nature of the job deterred him. "The road is just unbelievably exhausting," Souders admitted. Instead, he found his calling in real estate, a career he entered through a connection made while coaching.
Tyler Hostetter’s Hockey Odyssey
Tyler Hostetter, hailing from Lititz, Pennsylvania, followed a different but equally passionate path. He played at Warwick High School and was part of the junior Flyers, Valley Forge Minutemen, and Central Penn Panthers. Despite going undrafted, Hostetter signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers in 2009, setting his sights on the NHL. However, his professional career was cut short by a series of concussions. "I had three concussions in three years of pro, so I shut her down," Hostetter shared. At 23, he retired but quickly found another way to stay connected to the game he loved. Now, at 34, he runs the junior Flyers programs at Ice Line in West Chester, Pennsylvania, a place where Souders also found his first coaching opportunity.
The Unexpected Transition into Coaching
Souders, now 37, recalls the day he decided to hang up his skates after a few seasons with the SPHL’s Knoxville Ice Bears. "I was like, ‘What am I going to do with myself?’" he said. He initially hesitated when a friend suggested coaching, but the experience with a squirt minor team proved to be a turning point. "I really just kind of never looked back," Souders admitted. For Hostetter, the transition was equally natural. "I love coaching," he said. "It brought me here and I’ve found a new passion."
Hockey Heroes and Inspirations
Souders grew up idolizing the Flyers’ "Legion of Doom" line, formed by John LeClair, Eric Lindros, and Mikael Renberg. "Those were my guys," he said, with posters of the trio adorning his childhood room. To his surprise, he still encounters LeClair playing in a local men’s league in Havertown, Pennsylvania. "You can tell he used to play, for sure," Souders noted. "He still loves taking slap shots." Hostetter, on the other hand, was a Mighty Ducks fan. A memorable game with Steve Rucchin, Teemu Selanne, and Paul Kariya ignited his love for hockey. "That line, I fell in love with hockey," Hostetter said. "And then when the Flyers signed me, I obviously switched gears from there."
The Support of a Hockey Mentor
As the bus rolled on, with the classic hockey movie "Miracle" playing in the background, both Souders and Hostetter expressed their deep gratitude for Rob Baer, the Flyers’ senior director of community relations and hockey development. Each year, Baer meticulously organizes the peewee team’s trip to the Quebec International Peewee Hockey Tournament, ensuring that the coaches can focus on what they do best—guiding young players. "He sets everything up and lets us just coach," Hostetter said. "Rob’s a rockstar," Souders echoed. "It doesn’t work without Rob. For me, if Rob wasn’t here doing what he does, I probably wouldn’t do it."
A Shared Passion for the Game
Despite the long bus rides and frigid temperatures, the enthusiasm of Souders and Hostetter remains undiminished. They both look forward to the annual peewee tournament with a sense of excitement and purpose. "Oh, God yeah," Souders said. "It’s awesome. We both look forward to it every year." Their genuine passion for coaching and their love for the game have not only transformed their personal journeys but have also inspired a new generation of Flyers fans and players. In the end, it’s clear that for Souders and Hostetter, coaching is more than just a profession—it’s a way to give back to the sport that has given them so much.
