Little Flyers 18U defenseman McKay signs NAHL Tender

The NAPHL’s T1ER League is pleased to announce that the Philadelphia Little Flyers 18U defenseman Ethan McKay has signed a NAHL tender agreement for the 2025-26 season with the Philadelphia Rebels of the NAHL’s East Division. 

McKay, 18, is a seasoned veteran of the T1ER league, having spent four standout seasons patrolling the blue line for the Philadelphia Little Flyers, from the 15U ranks all the way through 18U. Standing 5'11", the skilled defenseman suited up for 58 career games, where he notched 28 points, tallying 8 goals and 20 assists.

Known for his smooth skating, McKay quickly became a cornerstone of the Little Flyers' defensive corps. His strong two-way play and leadership on the ice earned him back-to-back nominations to the prestigious Top Prospects Tournaments in both 2024 and 2025.

McKay is the first skater from the Little Flyers 18U team who has signed an NAHL tender agreement for the upcoming season.

A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted ten (10) tenders, which include two (2) tenders exclusively used on players from the T1ER - plus or minus any trades - which became active on November 1st. Tendered players are not eligible for the 2025 NAHL Draft.