FLYERS TO TRADE HOWARD?

Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Former Saugus High star Joey Howard appears to be on verge of rejoining the Western States Hockey League, but not with the Valencia Flyers.

Howard, who started the season with Valencia, hasn't played since an apparent falling out with the team in the aftermath of an ejection in a game Nov. 8 with the Roseville Capital Thunder.

However, the Flyers have maintained his rights, and now appear close to a deal that would send Howard to the Phoenix Polar Bears, according to Valencia general manager Larry Bruyere. The deal would bring Valencia several defensemen, an area in which the Flyers desperately need help.

Howard began the 2001-02 season at Junior-A Topeka (Kan.) in the United States Hockey League after leading Saugus to a Ice Station High School title in the league's inaugural season.

He came to Valencia last season after suffering a back injury over winter break and led the Flyers to the Junior-B WSHL playoff semifinals.

In Phoenix (20-0), Howard would be going to a Junior-A caliber team, though it is still in the WSHL. The Polar Bears are in their last season as a Junior-B team and will join the Junior-A America West Hockey League next season. They play several exhibition games against Junior-A teams this season.

``I think it's a good match,'' Bruyere said. ``He (Howard) deserves to play at the highest level he can, and Phoenix affords him that opportunity.''

--Overtime: The Flyers (10-13) concluded their first half with a 6-5 overtime victory over the San Diego Surf on Dec. 13.

The team isn't holding practice over the holidays. Its next practice will be Jan. 1 in preparation for a three-game road series against Utah that begins Jan. 3.

--Future Flyers? Future Flyers could be on display next week when the Valencia Ice Station plays host to a 45-team tournament, which includes all levels of youth hockey from Mites to Midget Double-A teams.

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