Tyler Hostetter made no bones about it.

After getting a taste of professional hockey this past season for three games in the American Hockey League, the Lititz native plans to do what it takes to earn a roster spot this season with the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms.

"The AHL, I hope," said Hostetter when asked about where he wants to play.

"All I know is that I am not going to the OHL."

The 20-year-old offensive defenseman who completed his second career Philadelphia Flyers developmental camp last week will be faced with three options entering this coming season — but it's up to the Flyers to choose.

Option one, Hostetter could be sent back to his junior team, the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, as a fifth-year overage player. Option two, he could earn a roster spot in the AHL with the Phantoms. And option three, he could be loaned to the East Coast Hockey League.

And from what Flyers Director of Hockey Operations Chris Pryor has seen of Hostetter, he agrees that it may be time for the next step.

"He's ready to move on," said Pryor. "He now has to figure it out at the next level, which is the norm for a lot of those kids making the jump from junior to pro.

"He has good size, can skate, it's just kind of the learning curve right now. It's baby steps every year. He's got a good attitude and good work ethic; it's just part of his development process right now."

The decision will likely take place in mid-September during the Flyers' training camp, which is more about competition, but as for now it's all about learning for Hostetter.

"Developmental camp (was) just to learn more stuff. Training camp is the important one," said Hostetter. "This year is a lot different from last year. Last year was more of a grind; this year is more about learning. You basically learn everything you can and try to get better throughout the offseason."

Hostetter used an unexpected offseason to his advantage by getting in much better shape while in Erie this past year, after he suffered a broken bone in his hand and missed 30 games. He used that time to get bigger and stronger and was in much better shape entering his second camp.

Despite the injury and playing in only 36 games, Hostetter recorded 23 points, including six goals in the regular season. He returned for the OHL playoffs and tallied four points in seven games. It was his most successful season in juniors.

"He looks good, honestly he looks better," said Player Development Coach and 16-year pro Derian Hatcher. "Unfortunately he was out about 12 weeks, so it was a tough year for him, but he definitely moved along nicely.

"His skating is better. He's fast, very dynamic; he's a very powerful skater," Hatcher added.

It's not only his mobility as a defenseman but also his work ethic and maturity as a player that have paid Hostetter dividends. He knows where his goals lie, but understands it's a slow learning process to get to the final destination.

"Playing professionally this year was a good confidence booster and it was great to learn how much harder I have to work this (offseason) to get there," Hostetter said. "You want to give 100 percent right now, but you try to learn new things, you try to learn as much as you can."

Needless to say it's an important summer for Hostetter, who has three years left on his entry-level contract with the Flyers, and a taste of professional hockey as a 20-year-old.

But only time will tell.

"I think in fairness it's mid-July, a lot of it depends on throughout the summer and camp," said Pryor. "We'll evaluate things at that time."

"Everything has been going according to plans from a developmental standpoint. We'll keep it open-ended right now and see where we're at mid-September."

dleed@lnpnews.com