Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Versus New Jersey Devils April 13, 2024

(Pregame - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA - Sean O'Brien)

Introductions

The pregame retirement night ceremonies for Wayne Simmonds were low-key. He dropped the ceremonial first puck before the official faceoff. A video tribute was shown, with shots of many fans wearing his number 17 sweater in the stands. But he did not speak to the crowd, reinforcing his team-first, humble approach. Those who cheered for him during his career or had the opportunity to talk with him as part of the media were not surprised.

Simmonds signed a one-day contract this week to retire as a member of the organization. His eight-year career in Philadelphia began when he was acquired, along with Brayden Schenn, in June 2011 from the Los Angeles Kings for Mike Richards. He was traded to the Nashville Predators in February 2019.

On a personal note, I covered the Stadium Series at Lincoln Financial Field in February 2019. The Flyers hosted their cross-state rival that rainy night, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jakub Voracek tied the game with twenty seconds remaining in the third, and Claude Giroux won the contest (4-3) in overtime.

As part of a media throng, we spoke with Wayne about the game and the anticipated end of his time in the organization. Days later, he was dealt to Nashville.

The Flyers (37-32-11, 85 points) are in their second-to-last game of the season. They will play the Devils (38-37-5, 81 points) in the late afternoon, and Philadelphia needs assists from various other teams to qualify for the playoffs.

The Flyers recent eight-game winless streak ended in New York earlier this week with a 4-1 win over the Rangers. The Devils beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 that same night, Thursday.

Starting goaltenders – Sam Ersson for the Flyers and Kaapo Kahkonen for the Devils.

First period

The video scoreboard noted the recent eighth anniversary of team founder Ed Snider's passing. With the risk he took, there is no way to know what hockey would look like in Philadelphia.

It was a back-and-forth period with little action. Around the halfway point, The Devils took two penalties in close proximity to each other.

But the Flyers' bottom-ranked power play did not come through. There were no high-danger chances. What expectations are reasonable without the personnel to do so?  Of course, the same could be said for the team this season.

Shots: Philadelphia – 11 New Jersey - 6

Score: Philadelphia – 0 New Jersey – 0

Intermission: The Mites on Ice show was, as always, entertaining. Many of us have great memories of playing hockey with family members and friends in our backyards or on the street. How great for the young kids to play a game, in between periods, of a National Hockey League game. Of course, if you fall onto the ice and score a fantastic goal, as one of the Mites did, that memory becomes indelible.

Second period

It is an understatement to classify the first half of this period as slow-moving. Credit to the Flyers for keeping New Jersey, the ninth-highest-scoring team, stymied.

A nifty backhand pass from Scott Laughton, who was cutting through center ice, was delivered to Travis Konecny (his 33rd overall goal of the season). He entered the zone and sent a wrist shot past Kahkonen at 10:50 into the period. It was also his sixth shorthanded goal of the season, with the magic he and Laughton produced reminding old-school fans of Dave Poulin and Brian Propp. Nick Seeler had the other assist.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 New Jersey - 5

Score: Philadelphia – 1 New Jersey - 0

Intermission: The Mites again. This sequel did not include a fabulous goal, but it was entertaining.

Third period

A loud “Let's Go Flyers' chant surrounded the stadium with about four minutes to go.

As was true at points earlier, Simmonds' rough-and-tumble game continued during this period. This was fitting, as he scrapped with the best of them during his career. Cutaways to Simmer in his suite, cupping his ear to hear the crowd, upped the electric moment higher. 

Devils head coach Travis Green elected not to pull the goalie after a stop in the offensive zone with three minutes left. However, he did make the call with approximately two minutes left.

A third chant carried the team to victory with seconds left. The tight win kept hopes for a playoff berth alive.

Shots: Philadelphia - 4 (21total) – New Jersey 9 (20 total)

Score: Philadelphia – 1 New Jersey – 0

It was the Flyers' first shutout since Jan 13 when the Flyers shutout the Winnipeg Jets 2-0. Ersson was in goal that night during a five-game winning. The shutout was the team's fifth and his fourth of the season. 

After the horn sounded

Flyers head coach John Tortorella said he was pleased with the team's performance during the postgame presser. The head coach also said the goaltending situation impacted the team, and Ersson, who played his fiftieth game today, was not projected to play anywhere near that number of games.

Carter Hart's departure from the team changed the trajectory of the season. That explanation will be used and arguably valid if the team is knocked out of the playoff picture before Game 82 is played on Tuesday. The Flyers host the Washington Capitals that night.

On a personal note – I saw former NHL referee Kerry Fraser on the press level after the game ended. It was good to catch up. My interview with him in 2011 was a memorable, wide-ranging conversation. 

Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Versus New York Rangers

 

(Pregame warmup photo - Sean O'Brien)

Introductions

Travis Konecny's upper-body injury made the Philadelphia Flyers (30-20-7, 67 points) task more challenging heading into the afternoon tilt versus the Eastern Division-leading New York Rangers (38-16-3, 79 points), who enter on a nine-game winning streak. The choice of both goalies implies that their head coaches want to win, as each team also plays tomorrow.

Flyers' head coach, John Tortorella, tapped Sam Ersson to play in the net. Peter Laviolette, who led Philadelphia to its last Stanley Cup appearance in 2010, picked one of the top goalies in the League, Igor Shesterkin.

This was a nationally televised game on ABC. It was originally scheduled as a streaming-only ESPN+ contest but was elevated to broadcast level.

As a side note – Today's game marks my one-hundredth, with approximately half of those games coming since the 2010-11 season when I received my first credential approval. The organization has always been and remains first-class, which a freelancer like me appreciates.

First period

An early “Let's go Rangers” chant elicited bad memories among the Flyers' faithful. Two seasons ago, an overwhelming number of Rangers' fans, more than was ever known to have been present in Philadelphia, dominated the Wells Fargo atmosphere. That 3-2 overtime Rangers' win on March 1, 2023, was seen as the bottoming-out of the pre-Danny Briere-Keith Jones era that began after that 2022-23 season was buried.

A classic, 1970's 1970s-style fight took place three minutes into the period as Nick Deslauriers and Matt Rempe (who had six inches on his opponent, standing at 6' 7”) fought for an extended period. Deslauriers eventually knocked Rempe down after his shirt was caught on his head—five minutes in the box for each.

A lot of back-and-forth action. There were some chances, but none that were successful.

Shots: Philadelphia – 18 New York - 9

Score: Philadelphia – 0 New York – 0

Intermission: The Mites on Ice entertained, as usual. It's always enjoyable to see young players on the half-ice.

Second period

Garnet Hathaway received a double minor for high sticking at 8:47. The play was under review, but the analysis did not change the initial ruling.

With 1:10 left on the penalty, Artemi Panarin was called for holding. But Alexis Lafreeniere (17th goal) wristed a shot past Ersson at 11:56. Assists to Vincent Trocheck and K'Andre Miller. Rangers' fans erupted but were drowned out by the faithful. An ear-estimate and with a view of various blue jerseys in the stands, which was hardly scientific, put the boisterous Rangers fans in the mid-single digit thousands.

Shots: Philadelphia – 5 (23) New York – 10 (19)

Score: Philadelphia – 0 New York – 1

Intermission: A chess-like game through two periods. This is a good test for Tortorella's team. Building culture and rebuilding an iconic franchise is bolstered through winning and learning how to respond to losses.

Third period

Tyson Foerster (11th goal) tied the game because he was positioned in front of the net and had his stick on the ice at 2:36. The work for this goal was done by Scott Laughton, who fought his way to supply a wrap-around assist from behind the net—a secondary assist by Travis Sanheim.

Ersson was screened and could not see a wrist shot that was thrown to the net by Barclay Goodrow (2nd goal). It appeared that Rempe tipped the puck in as he was stationed in front of the net and was seen receiving congratulations on the bench from his teammates. Assists Braden Schneider and Chris Kreider. (It was later switched to Rempe, who had his first goal in the National Hockey League.)

Sanheim led a breakaway while Sean Couturier was in the penalty box with slightly over nine minutes to play. Laughton trailed him on the two-on-none-play. But Sanheim could not tie the game. Arguably, a forward might have succeeded better or used the trailer to set up a higher percentage play or rebound attempt.

Philadelphia was given a chance to tie the game when Miller took a high-sticking penalty at 15:57. Tortorella pulled Ersson. At the same time, the Flyers had approximately 17 seconds left on the power play. After a stoppage, a timeout was taken at 17:42, with 15 seconds remaining on the man-advantage.

There were a few scoring chances, including one puck across the goal crease with seconds remaining, but no dice. The Rangers won a solid game by playing good defense and getting a savvy performance from Shesterkin. 

Shots: Philadelphia – 17 (40) New York – 5 (24)

Score: Philadelphia – 1 New York – 2

The game had a playoff feel. The Flyers played a competitive game and play the Pittsburgh Penguins on the road tomorrow, starting at 3:30 PM.

Philadelphia Flyers: Potential Scott Laughton Trade Partially Telegraphed Through Two New Letters?

 

Naming Sean Couturier the Philadelphia Flyers' twentieth captain in team history makes sense. The longtime center has proven healthy following his extended rehabilitation from injury.

So, the organization believes he will be on the ice regularly. That factor played into him being named captain.

Travis Konecny was named assistant captain, joining Scott Laughton, who wore the team's lone designated leadership letter. That elevation also makes sense, as the Flyers forward and recent All-Star has come into his own. But strategy may also be part of the timing of Couturier and Konecny's elevations. 

Laughton's current contract runs through the 2025-26 season. The March 8 National Hockey League trade deadline can be counted in days, with this assistant captain widely believed to be a hot topic among various NHL brass.  

Ryan Poehling recently signed a deal that extends him through the 2025-26 season. Securing the first-year Flyer allows the organization to deal Laughton for a likely good return without creating an extra hole on next season's roster.

Add to the Poehling news, it can only be assumed that President Keith Jones, General Manager Danny Briere, and Head Coach John Tortorella did not want to elevate one player (or two) to the official leadership group due to a trade. While they could have gone without any assigned letters, the leadership announcements, only weeks before March 8, could imply that the organization anticipates trading Laughton. 

Jones, Briere, and Tortorella have routinely shared the same message. The rebuild is on, and the plan will remain unchanged, even if the team continues to play toward a playoff berth. Using that logic, trading Laughton (who turns 30 on May 30) for a solid return would further the rebuild. 

Like Couturier and Konecny, Laughton has only ever played for the Flyers, doing so since he was 18 in the 2012-13 season. Couturier and Konecny first played when they were 19.

Because the team now has a new captain and assistant captain, dealing Laughton would only reduce one A, rather than leave the Flyers with no lettered sweaters. 

Philadelphia Flyers: Rebuild and NHL Playoff Push Continues

The Philadelphia Flyers opened the post-All-Star break with a nice 2-1 regulation road win against the Florida Panthers.

Analysis varies. In this instance, a playoff berth would bolster the rebuild. Management continues to say that the team's unexpectedly higher point total does not alter the plan. So, some key players on the NHL roster could be dealt by the trade deadline next month, impacting an ability to win consistently. But maybe not.

The John Tortorella effect has been followed by the dual impact of the types of decisions Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and Danny Briere are making.

Will the Flyers qualify for the playoffs? It's a toss-up. But betting against a team reestablishing its iconic identity is likely unwise.

Philadelphia Flyers Creating New Year's Hope

Few anticipated the Philadelphia Flyers having the tenth-best winning percentage (.614) in the National Hockey League. But that mark has caught the attention of everyone except the Flyers' brass. President  Keith Jones, General Manager Danny Briere, and Head Coach John Tortorella all spoke about this team's ability to compete this season, and that has happened.

The Flyers' 19-11-5 record is identical to the one the team had during its last playoff season in 2019-20, which became the 'Bubble Year' due to the virus.

Defense

Philadelphia has the eighth-best defense in the NHL, which allows a +11-goal differential. The team's nine short-handed goals are only three short of its power play production (12).

Making Changes

The organization subtracted front-office personnel and players last spring and into the summer. It added players with character and subjective grit that have been openly evidenced.

The team needed a different offensive approach, so Tortorella implemented an up-tempo style that pushes quick defensive zone exits during five-on-five play. The popularized 'Power Kill' reflects that pressure when the opposing team is on the power play.

Jones, Briere, and Tortorella insist that the team's winning ways won't alter the rebuild plan. That would indicate some key players will be dealt by the trade deadline in March, and other changes will happen during the upcoming off-season.

Pace

However, a one-hundred-point season could result if this team plays at its current pace. If it plays .500 hockey during the remainder of the season (47 games, assume 20-20-7), the Flyers will finish with 90 points. While that might not earn a playoff berth, in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference, the organization would jump 15 points ahead of last season's finish 31-38-13, 75 points).

Rebuild Effect

This team is enjoyable to watch, is increasing the value of various players who may be exchanged, is surely realizing gains in NHL roster development, has different assets below the NHL level, and is restoring its legacy status.

The rebuild that was publicly announced earlier this year must be lauded.

Philadelphia Flyers' Modestly Encouraging Start Is Not Deceiving

The Philadelphia Flyers' start to this regular season through just past the quarter mark is modestly encouraging. They were in playoff position by Thanksgiving, which is a predictor more often than not of which teams will make the postseason by the season's end. 

However, if I were a betting man, I would not wager or wager much on John Tortorella's team returning to the playoffs this coming spring. While the team's overall play is good, official year 2 of the rebuild reconfirms more subtraction is needed, holes still abound, and various impact players still need to be added to the National Hockey League roster. 

The goaltending has been generally good. The defensive group is better than expected and a nice surprise. Offensively, well, that is the issue. 

No team can win regularly with a power play that produces a paltry ten percent efficiency rate. While breakouts from the defensive zone are markedly improved, a lack of finishers is a team weakness. John Tortorella implemented an up-tempo offensive push. That was understandable because he and his coaching staff wanted to squeeze every last opportunity out of a group that was obviously going to have trouble scoring. 

Keith Jones and Danny Briere have good heads on their shoulders. They know this team is far from a playoff threat, let alone a Stanley Cup contender. So, some players who are performing well seem bound to be dealt by the trade deadline, which would impact playoff chances this season while strengthening the organization for more realistic future campaigns.   

Philadelphia Flyers: Rebuild Year 2

Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella is starting his second year. Training camp includes his blend of old-school methods. Those above Torts endorse that approach. 

President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones became an ideal fit as the new front-office face of the franchise. The former player and longtime broadcaster's positive reputation sells well.

But Jonesy is no salesman. His tell-it-like-it-is approach came through television sets and digital screens. He is cheered because he blends the truth with light-hearted humor while also recognizing what the fans, both old and new, want right now.

Brian Boucher, another former Flyers player, was hired to take over for Jones with the organization's broadcast team and nationally with TNT. It is fair to wonder if Boosh may eventually work in a National Hockey League's front office if he wants to? He, like Todd Fedoruk, another former Flyer who is replacing longtime broadcaster Steve Coates, has fan appeal that will help promote the team.

Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Danny Briere says that the players will determine the pace of the rebuild. That statement is honest and accurate. Those in charge put pieces in place, while those who relay the game to the fans offer their observations.

In coming years, the trio of Jonesy, Danny B, and Torts seem more likely than not to restore one of the League's fabled franchises. 

Philadelphia Flyers: Realistic New Era of Orange Begins

(John Tortorella, Keith Jones, Dan Hilferty, Danny Briere, and Valerie Camillo.)

(Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers.)

The Philadelphia Flyers are determined to rebuild the roster. The organIzation also intends to reset its internal barometer and earn the trust of its fans. 

The introduction of now-General Manager Danny Briere and President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones was a watershed moment in May 2023. 

Dan Hilferty, Comcast Spectacor Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Governor Valerie Camillo, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Alternate Governor, and Head Coach, John Tortorella, sat on the dais on the floor of the Wells Fargo Center that opened in 1996 (then known by a different corporate sponsor's name). The Flyers were in the midst of the Eric Lindros era during the stadium's inaugural season (1996-97). A Stanley Cup Final appearance against the Detroit Red Wings followed that spring. 

A quarter-century-plus has passed. Only one other Stanley Cup Final appearance happened since then (2009-2010), with the trophy awarded to Philadelphia's opponent, the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Hilferty was hired, in part, because of his corporate success in the region. Camillo is credited with overseeing the complete renovation of the Center, with hundreds of millions invested. 

Jones was hired because of his intellect, deep hockey ties, and earned goodwill across the League. The statements made about Jones' position and the ones he made himself were particularly informative. 

Briere has steadily worked his way up the ladder during a period of multiple changes in the organization. 

Hilferty termed Tortorella the franchise's “spiritual leader”.

The presser projected realism, organization, and a request for patience. The specific mentions of the Flyers' glory days and respect offered for the alumni sent a message that the past will be honored, while also incorporating modern methods that are part of today's game. The future will now unfold in a direction that, like life, is unpredictable. 

The following was provided courtesy of the Flyers media relations department:

Philadelphia Flyers ‘New Era of Orange’ Executive Leadership

 

Valerie Camillo: Good morning, everybody. Welcome to the new Wells Fargo Center. Many of us were here pretty late last night. Exciting game, I think I got out of here around 11 o'clock. Didn't get the outcome we wanted for the Sixers, but we wish them the best of luck in game seven up in Boston on Sunday, and hopefully they'll bring the Eastern Conference Finals back to the Wells Fargo Center. But today is about the Philadelphia Flyers, and it's about making this the toughest, loudest building in the NHL once again. Joining me on stage we have Coach John Tortorella, who is setting a new standard and new expectations on the ice for the Flyers, began great work doing that this past season. Two individuals I’ll introduce shortly, and Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, and Governor of the Flyers. Since joining, Dan has made a tremendous impact. He has a reputation for organizational excellence that he's bringing to this organization, and also for creating top notch teams, as we're about to introduce to you today. So please welcome Dan as he is going to share our bold vision for a New Era of Orange. Please welcome Dan Hilferty.

 

Dan Hilferty: Thank you, Valerie. Good morning, everyone. I am absolutely thrilled to have you all here today. This is an exciting day. We are on the cusp of a New Era of Orange. I'm excited to say more about our future in a moment. But first, I want to acknowledge our amazing, amazing past. I like to remind people what is past is prologue. I say that quote and I think of Ed and the entire Snider family. What Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education has done has transformed the lives of so many. Thank you Scott Tharp, Bill Whitmore, Cindy Stutman and Flyers Charities and many others for your tremendous commitment. I think of Brad Marsh. Brad, are you here? Where are you, Brad? Brad Marsh. This is about more than a game of hockey, and the Flyers alums exemplify that in all they do for the community. The Flyers and this community, this city, we're deeply connected. You can't say one without the other. First, I want to discuss the search process that got us here today. Special thanks to Neil Glassberg and to Billy King of Modern for your assistance along with my colleagues, Valerie Camillo and John Master. It was a great process. You see our leadership vision centers around one word – collaboration. There will be total alignment – not perfect – but there will be total alignment between hockey operations and business operations. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate, and I have a bit of a talent – the ability to assemble collaborative teams that achieve great things together. My philosophy is simple. We are stronger when we are together. Magic. Magic happens. Takes time, but magic happens when talented leaders unify toward a collective goal. For us, it's about winning, or developing a winning culture for our beloved Flyers. We're pretty lucky. We already have two outstanding leaders in Valerie Camillo and Coach Tortorella. Our search for leaders in hockey ops was about constructing the best team. We looked for individuals with complementary skills, personalities, and experiences. This was about putting the right people in place to rebuild this team and sustain a winning culture. One thing we heard from a number of candidates who asked the question, are the Flyers for sale? Let me emphatically say – no. Comcast Spectacor intends to have a long and successful run as owner the Flyers. Today, today we start a new chapter, but before we get to that, I have a message for our fans. You, fans of the Philadelphia Flyers, are the heartbeat of this team. Everything we do has to be for you. When I think of our passionate diehard fans, I think of Rick Genslinger, owner of Slinger’s Broad Street Bar in Reading – I haven't been there yet, but I'm up for a road trip – who only got to stay up late as a kid if it was to watch the Flyers with his father. The Hart family, Gene and his daughter Lauren, who devoted their lives and voices to this team. Pat Smart, a season-ticket holder for 15 years, who enjoys bringing his grandkids to Section 107 right behind you each year. Our 30 charter members who have each held season tickets for more than 50 years. Zachary Wertz, our Make A Wish kid last season whose wish wasn't to go to Disney World, it was to skate with the Philadelphia Flyers. Sean, Rasmus, Nick, you have a responsibility to these young people because they're not just watching your game, they're watching you to learn about life. So, thank you for the leadership that all of your teammates will play in making that happen. Also, to the more than 100 high school players here with us today, whose hard work led them to win their divisions of the Flyers Cup Championship. Let's give the champions a round of applause.

 

I also count myself among those lifelong fans. As a freshman at St. Joseph's University, I decided to skip two classes with a group of friends to drive into Center City, Broad Street, for the second parade in 1975. We all have different hometowns and histories, but we're all united in our passion for the Philadelphia Flyers. So, I share our new leadership mentality. The message to our fans is this – we need you, we want to make you proud to wear orange and black. We intend to compete at a high level year after year, we will do things the right way on and off the ice, and we promise to be transparent along the way. This will not be perfect. No human organism is perfect. It will take time, so be patient with us, but know that our goal is singular – to deliver a championship or more and to be the envy of the NHL. You'll notice that we've introduced a new theme – the New Era of Orange. Like I said earlier, what is past is prologue. The New Era of Orange is about setting a new path forward while respecting the rich history of this franchise. I want to recognize and thank many of the alumni in the room with us today. Thank you, thank you for your time, your energy and your passion. In particular, I am deeply inspired by the work of the Flyers Warriors program. This program connects with veterans and teaches them about learning and playing team hockey, while also focusing on their own, their friends, their families, behavioral and mental health. I'd like to point out two members of the Flyers family whose children are currently serving in the military, and I'm sure there are others. So, this is for each of you too. The first is Franny Shielding, who works in the executive offices here, whose son Steven is serving our country in the Navy. And the second is Coach John Tortorella, whose son serves in the US Army. What you do with the Warriors alums is so important. Let's give a round of applause to everyone who serves our military. To alumni near and far, we greatly appreciate your support and loyalty. You never gave up, and neither will we. In selecting two of your fellow alums, be assured the traditions will be honored and determination will be the hallmark of this team. I know some people are thinking “here they go again, hiring two former Flyer players isn't a fresh start”. Let me share with you that during the process, our goal was to hire the two best candidates. It just happens that they're former Flyers. We were inspired by the titans who won us championships in 1974 and ‘75. We need to channel the spirit of those early years as we build anew. Equally, we need to embrace today's modern game, one that requires speed, power, and strategy like never before. Before we make the introductions, I want to explain how this group will work together. We've been very thoughtful in how we constructed the leadership team. Keith in his new role will lead the big picture. Here's what that means. Number one, implementing the organizational vision and plan alongside the leadership team. Collaborating with Coach Tortorella and Danny Briere about the team. Collaborating with business ops and Valerie Camillo on the strategic direction and collaborating with the League when necessary. Three, connecting with business leaders, corporate partners, and other teams and fans. That will be the President, Keith’s, role. Danny as General Manager will oversee all hockey decisions. This includes signings, trades, the Draft, as well as overseeing scouting, player development, and roster construction. He will apply the data and analytics along with Coach Torts’ view of the eye test to create the best decision related to the roster and the future of the Flyers. Coach Torts is the bench boss, and he decides what happens on the ice. Make no mistake about it – John Tortorella is our spiritual leader. This is a model that has worked successfully for other organizations, and I feel certain it will work really well with these three individuals at the helm. Hockey leadership will work in lockstep with Valerie and me. Valerie oversees business strategy on and off the ice for the team and the arena. She was hugely successful in overseeing the nearly $400-million project to transform this building into the new Wells Fargo Center. I'm so proud to work alongside her. The two gentlemen about to be introduced know what playing Flyer hockey is all about. Their names are familiar to fans and around the league. I can assure you, they bring a fresh perspective and what it takes to restore a winning tradition. We are one unit, and we will be one unit with a common goal in mind to bring a Stanley Cup back to Philadelphia. Thank you very much.

 

Valerie Camillo: So now we'd like to introduce our new General Manager. It was clear to all of us from the start that Danny Briere was the right person for this job. He is brilliant. He is data driven. He is analytical. He's hard working. He's a great guy. I've known him for going on almost five years, and he is ready to rebuild this team into a perennial contender. He has an impressive career, incredibly impressive, both off and on the ice. He spent 17 years as a professional, six as a Flyer. A multi-time all-star and a playoff legend. When the lights are the brightest, Danny Briere is at his best. Off the ice he's a natural leader, a strategic thinker. He spent eight years in the front office in a variety of roles. Learned about the business, learned analytics, learned about hockey operations. He knows the organization inside and out. He's never stopped learning, always striving for continuous improvement, exemplified by his continuing education at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. And he's the proud husband to Misha, and if it's possible to be more impressive than Danny, you should meet Misha, who served our country proudly in the Air Force. And he’s Dad to four sons. Danny is the right person for this job at exactly the right moment. He understands today's game, he understands today's players, and he knows what it takes to build a Stanley Cup contender. It is my absolute honor to please help me welcome join us officially as the General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, Daniel Briere.

 

Daniel Briere: Thank you, Val. Dan, also. Thank you everyone for coming out today for this big announcement, and especially a big thank you to my family – my wife Misha, and my four boys – who have been very supportive of my path throughout my career, both as a player and over these last several years, building a career to be able to reach this point. It's pretty cool to be to be here again, not on the ice, per se, but in this building on the ice. I have so many great memories of playing some great moments in this building. But I remember when I retired, I was fortunate enough to start in the offices up here and probably with a lot of you that are here in attendance. That's when I realized – first of all I met some great, great people. I saw a whole new side of the team and just how everyone works outside of the locker room, behind the scenes to really make a team successful. Jonesy, I am so excited to have you as our President of Hockey Operations. I've always admired your mind, the way you think the game, especially the way not that you only break down all aspects of the game, but how you translate it to your audience to make it relatable to them. It's one of the many reasons why you're well known and so respected in all corners of the hockey world. I'm looking forward to working with you. With this leadership group in place, we're going to do this right and together. If there's one message that I want to send out today, especially to our most loyal fans, is that you have my full attention. It's been an incredible honor to serve the last two months as the GM of the team, and the fact of the matter is that it's only made me hungrier to turn this thing around. We are on our way already, and I consider it my highest duty to rebuild and restore this team to it’s winning ways for years to come. Thank you, and I look forward to this summer and the start of a new Flyers era. Thank you.

 

Valerie Camillo: So now I'd like to introduce our President of Hockey Operations. For this search, we were looking for someone who could not only succeed in the position, but also be a great complement to Danny and Torts’ unique skill sets, and no one fits that bill better than Keith Jones. Keith spent 12 years as a player, many more in the broadcast booth, and he's steeped in the game of hockey in a way that few others are or could ever be. Ask anyone around the NHL – and believe us, we did – Keith Jones is a great guy. He's a great, smart hockey mind. He's hardworking, tenacious, greatly respected. As a player he never let up. He played through injuries, he was very difficult to play against making the lives of our opponents quite miserable. And as a national broadcaster, he got to know the league inside and out. During the interview process, what shone through was his intelligence, his passion, his kindness, and his understanding of all aspects of the game, including the business side. He's collaborative, and he's focused, laser-like focused on returning this organization to glory. Keith is the kind of person we want in this organization. He treats everyone with respect and kindness, and he cares. He's passionate about the Flyers. He's also a devoted husband to Laura, and Dad to Adrian. I'm honored to introduce our new President of Hockey Operations, Keith Jones.

 

Keith Jones: Thank you, everyone. Very proud and very humbled to be up here as the President of Hockey Operations, very surreal. I want to thank my wife, Laura, my daughter, Adrian, for encouraging me to do this. I've been away a lot over the last 23 years. I thought I was going to spend some more time at home – that's not the case. We have a lot of work to do. I am thrilled to be able to give back to this city what it's given to me. We have an alumni that is strong, we're going to get stronger. We have people that have been around here and supported us throughout the years. We want you to know that we love you. We want our players to know that we love you. We want this to be a city that everyone wants to come to. When I arrived here in Philadelphia 25 years ago, I flew in from Colorado, a tremendous franchise. When I got the call and was informed it's the Philadelphia Flyers, I couldn't get here fast enough. When I landed here, I looked around at the city and I said, “I just can't believe I'm part of the Philadelphia Flyers”. We are going to get back to that. It's got away from us. We are off to a very good start based upon what happened last year. I'm arriving at the right time, and I'm convinced that together, collaboratively, we are going to get there. That is one of my greatest strengths. Much easier to talk about other people, and a lot more uncomfortable to have people talk about you in a nice way like all of these people have. But I am promising you that we're going to get it right together. This is not my team. This is our team. And I look forward to working with everybody, everyone that's here. The Philadelphia Flyers are coming back. Thank you.

 

Dan Hilferty: Keith Jones, Danny Briere – welcome home. Although you've been here, Danny, we're looking forward to an exciting time. I'd like to close with a brief quote from the great Ray Bourque, and it's in Jonesy's autobiography – Steve Coates has copies available for anybody who would like to purchase one, $65. “If there is any one lesson sports can teach children and adults, it is togetherness. To stick it out in bad times, in good times, and to face a challenge with a unified resolve.” I firmly believe as a fan of the Flyers, this team will work hard, will do it tirelessly, and collaborate around making the Flyers the envy of the NHL. Thank you very much.

Joe Siville: Okay, now we'll open up for question and answers from the media. Please remember to take one of the microphones to ask your question and hand it back to one of the employees. And please also remember to direct your question to one or more of the individuals on stage.

 

This is for Keith. You've had such a long, storied career as a broadcaster. Why now step out of that role to take on this sort of project?

Keith Jones: Yeah, it's a great question, Adam, thank you for that. It was not an easy decision, but this is the only team that I would have ever thought about doing something like this. I would not have interviewed anywhere else. I have only done my job on television to do my job on television. I never campaigned to get in a position to take a job like this. I just wanted to do the best job I could in relaying the message to our fans here in Philadelphia on what our team was doing on the ice. When the opportunity arose, I did think about it for about a minute – and that's stretching it, it might have been 10 seconds – the answer was yes. After a long and grueling interviewing process, it is here now and I couldn't be happier about it.

 

This is for Dan Hilferty. You mentioned about the distribution of roles and the importance of collaboration between the GM and the President of Hockey Operations. I'm curious in terms of the organizational hierarchy, is the President of Hockey Operations going to be above the GM? Will the President of Hockey Operations have hiring and firing responsibilities? Is that what Keith's role is going to be?

Dan Hilferty: Yes, I think in terms of the President of Hockey Operations, that person, Keith, is the leader of the team. So that would include all aspects of team building, setting a vision, as I said earlier, and also hiring or firing.

 

This question is for Danny. You mentioned two months you've had the job. What have you learned through that two months to kind of prepare you as we get into the Combine, the Draft, and the offseason moving forward here?

Daniel Briere: I learned a lot, obviously. Managing the front office, obviously. But you know, I have been around for a long time. I've seen different ways of doing things. I have a great team around me to help me. I think I was fortunate to have seen and been around this organization the last few years to know what areas we need to improve on, what areas we need to focus on. So that that makes me feel more comfortable in the job coming in. Certainly, very excited about it.

 

This question is for Dan Hilferty. Can you just take us into what the interview process was like? How many candidates were up for the position, and what led you to Keith Jones?

Dan Hilferty: Well, the process was an exhaustive one. We started thinking about it right when Danny was named interim General Manager. It was Valerie and myself. I mentioned earlier the group that was involved. The first thought was we wanted to cast a wide net. That's why we met with a number of search firms – three to be exact – and we landed on Modern and Billy King who is a well-known name here, and we also wanted to have someone who was well known, very active in the hockey community. We worked with Neil Glassberg to support us in the effort. Modern began the effort of reaching out to potential candidates. We took ideas from many sources, alums, former players, others in the hockey community, and I won't give you the exact number, but it was exhaustive, and the net was wide. We landed on a smaller group that Modern led some interviews with, and then we came to a final three that we had a day of interviews with, follow up interviews, and came to the conclusion that Keith Jones was the best candidate for the job.

 

This question is for Keith. You bring an interesting perspective to this role, obviously you’ve spent the last number of years in broadcasting. What kind of tools and what kind of knowledge have you gained from broadcasting that can help you succeed in this role?

Keith Jones: In that role, I was able to meet everyone. Everyone in the game – from general managers, to head coaches, to presidents – and have conversations with them, kind of continuing to learn as I went. I also had a view from upstairs for many games and watching players perform, and part of that job is to analyze and recognize what certain players do that you like, and what certain players do that might not fit into something that you would be looking to build on your team. Having that insight has been really valuable. The fact that a lot of them are my friends from even my playing days is really helpful. I’m incredibly honored with the fact that my friend group has been very successful in hockey. Craig Berube as a head coach, one of my best friends. Rick Tocchet as a head coach, Joe Sakic in Colorado, General Manager, Stanley Cup winning General Manager and player, Chris Drury, Tom Fitzgerald, Luke Richardson coaching, Rod Brind'Amour coaching. I've had an opportunity to not just play with – I'm going to forget some people along the way – but I've really been blessed that I've had an opportunity to learn from their character and they're educated, they're really smart people, and I've really been involved with them for a long time. From a league perspective, I've gotten to know the Commissioner Gary Bettman at a different level. He is a tremendously bright man, and I've learned a lot in any discussion I've ever had with him. So, I have relationships league wide, and I think some of those will come in handy in this position. I look forward to furthering those relationships as I get started.

 

Going off that same question, in the job description, it said you'll be in charge of leading the strategic direction of the hockey operations side as well as collaborating on the business side. In your experiences as a broadcaster, a player, or outside of that, where did you gain the qualifications for that?

Keith Jones: Teamwork. It's one of the most important things, I think, in anything that we do in life, and I always encourage kids to play sports because you learn how to be a member of a team. No matter what your role is and whatever level you're at in your life, your role may increase as you get better at what you're doing, as you become a more important person. I want to make sure that people within our organization can grow. I want you to be patient in your willingness to grow, and I think it's important that you do your job that you're being asked to do right now and then when it's time for you to advance, we're going to make sure you can advance, but I want people to love working here. I want that to translate to great messaging from leaving our building when they walk out of here. So, I think that's probably something, but the most important thing I think, is collaboratively working together, and that's something I've done in every job that I've had in my life. Whether I was playing or my post playing career in television, I'm quite confident that if you asked anyone I worked with, that's the message that you're going to get.

 

Collaboration being a buzzword here today, how do you see it from the business side? What can happen there for both sides to kind of work together? How do you envision that happening now going forward that maybe wasn't as easy to do previously?

Valerie Camillo: I think it's about partnership, and it's already begun. I actually was just talking to Keith yesterday, we were having some conversations on the business side with the NHL about future marquee games that the Flyers might participate in, be that outdoors or international, and he was the first call that I made to say, “how do you feel about this? Are you excited about it?” because we want to be in lockstep on everything. Our marketing campaigns are another example of that. Our marketing personality should reflect the personality of the team and how these guys feel about the vision going forward. Just in each and every thing that comes up on the business side that's relevant to what they're working on, it's going to be my first call, and Keith has told me the same on his side.

 

I have a follow up for Dan Hilferty. You had mentioned earlier that this is a model that has worked with other organizations, yet it's still one that's kind of unique in and of itself in the way that you described the roles that you have here. Do you look at it as something that could be a model that other people will then try to follow, as opposed to you guys trying to follow a role that other organizations have put together? Does that make sense the way I'm asking that?

Dan Hilferty: It does make sense. If it works, I hope not. I hope they don't follow it, because we don't want others to emulate what we're doing. Although that's not true. I'm thinking about the question you asked Valerie, I really believe this, we all come to any endeavor with certain gifts and talents, and others do as well, and I was thinking, as Valerie was answering, there's going to be times when the three hockey leaders – we don't belong in the room. So we have to be sensitive and understand that hockey leads hockey, and we on the business side have a responsibility to do everything in our power to support the hockey side being successful. It's about both understanding our roles, and being willing to let others lead when they have an expertise or a talent that can lead us. I know it sounds trite, maybe, but it really has worked for me in other industries. I mean, I'm just a fan though, when it comes to hockey, I'm the last person you should ask about hockey. But I do know that the most successful organizations in the world are organizations where people band together and understand each other’s skills and let each other lead when it's their turn to lead.

 

This question is for Dan Hilferty, as well. When you mentioned about the process, you spoke mostly of the President of Hockey Operations hiring process. Did you interview anyone else for GM, or were you pretty much settled on Danny? And if you were settled on Danny, what gives you the confidence that he is the right guy to be the full time GM?

Dan Hilferty: I can only answer from my perspective. When the transition in leadership was going on in hockey, I was simply just trying to find my way around the building. Dave Scott was really great about educating me as he and others were thinking about who's the next leader from a General Manager perspective. I got to know Danny, I can tell you from a personal point of view, watching him as a leader, as a well-organized, experienced person in the space, interim tag or not, I can tell you from the first day that we really interacted, I viewed him as the next GM of the Philadelphia Flyers. So, the process went on in my head, conversations with Valerie, just watching how he and Torts interacted, we just felt strongly there was no need for a process. We had our General Manager.

 

This question is for Danny. You got a front row seat to seeing one individual be both the General Manager and the President. Now having those roles split into two hires, how do you envision that being beneficial to you in your role and being able to focus on the construction of the roster?

Daniel Briere: I believe in teamwork, just like Jonesy has said. Having someone of his stature come in being involved with our team – everybody that's going to be part of it – but to add Keith there in the room, I'm ecstatic about it. I'm so excited just listening to his opinion over the years, having a chance to be around him with some alumni stuff that we've done over the years, I can't be any happier than to have them around there. So, I have no worries that it's going to work. Again, teamwork, having Torts’ point of view, his point of view. We've said it before, I don't want people around me that are just yes-men or yes-women. It's including everybody. I want different opinions. I want people to bring their own vision, and we'll come up with the right answer.

 

This question is for John. Historically, coaches have always had a seat at the table, but maybe not had as much of a voice. Do you almost feel like working in this collaborative environment that you're going to get a little bit more of a voice and be heard a little bit more than maybe coaches are used to being heard in this league?

John Tortorella: The way I look at this hire, which is just a fantastic hire both ways – Danny was the GM for me, interim tag or not. We have gone about our business that way from day one. Bringing on Jonesy here, the thing – and Danny just touched upon it – I think what you have here are two strong hockey minds, and personalities not being afraid to shed their opinion in discussions. I think that is going to be so productive. It may be all five of us at certain times, but sometimes we will tell Dan and Valerie “get out of here, we need to talk about this”, and everybody I think has the personality to voice their opinion, and not just agree along the way. I think that's how you solve problems. I think that's what the process is about. I'm thrilled. The time I've spent with Danny, I'm so excited to work with him because I think he's got such a great mind. This guy here has followed the league and his job for years, as he just stated – talking to coaches, GMs, understanding player systems, all that. That is so important to get his view. We're going to have some arguments along the way, and that's healthy. But to know that we're in it together, I'm thrilled. And I want to make a point. I don't want to speak out of turn, but I don't get sometimes in this process when people start talking about Flyers, alumni, Jonesy, an ex-Flyer, Danny, an ex-Flyer, what has happened? Why do people think that they're diseased? If you’re an ex-Flyer and you come from the organization that you shouldn't be in this organization, that we need to look outside? I'm not sure who said it here, but it's the person you're looking at. I'm proud that they are Flyers. I'm proud of these guys over here, and other alumni that care about this organization. That's what thrills me the most. I think we have strong personalities and I think they care, and I don't get some of the thinking out in this city. “Oh, it's an ex-Flyer again, they're doing it the same way”. God damn. It is so important to have that belief. I'm thrilled. I can't wait to get to work and already starting to do it.

 

John, you've been around a long time. Danny's new to his role. Keith's new to his role. Does that change anything for you when you do have that voice at the table? Where, we talk about rookies and veteran players, it's sort of a similar situation where you're the veteran with two rookies. Does it change anything for you at all as far as when you go into those meetings or have those discussions?

John Tortorella: Nope. We're going to have those discussions as men. Whatever problem or maybe good stuffs going on, we'll discuss it. It's trust. I'm really interested to hear his views. We've already started scratching the surface on a few things and what needs to be done this summer. Danny and I have had some really major conversations on that. Meetings, you strip your symbol off. You're talking as men and talking about the Philadelphia Flyers, how we improve the team. Nothing changes as far as those and I'm sure the same thing they feel about it.

 

This question is for Keith. I know you'll be involved with the business side a lot, but I'm sure you'll want to have your voice in the hockey side as well. How much trust do you have in Danny to call the shots, make important decisions, and will you want your voice heard too?

Keith Jones: I have the ultimate confidence that Danny Briere is the right man for this job. I have had many conversations about hockey with Danny. What impresses me the most about Danny is his mind. What I'm also impressed with is he stayed here. He selected the Philadelphia Flyers to come play for as an unrestricted free agent – could have went anywhere in the league. That tells me a lot. What tells me more is he stayed, and that's what's probably something when I look at Danny Briere that stands out to me. He wanted to be a Flyer. He put the work in, as Valerie mentioned earlier, to become eventually the Flyers General Manager. He's ready for it. I look forward to working with him, and I'm overly impressed with how well prepared he is. We're going to have a lot of discussions in the coming days. I've been away, I've been working. Danny had no idea that I was going to be the guy. So, we're going to get to some real conversations here in the next little while, and I so much look forward to getting to those conversations.

 

This question is for Dan Hilferty as well. Danny Briere, obviously, was interim GM, Special Assistant to the GM, but doesn't have a ton of experience in an NHL front office. Was it ever a consideration that the President of Hockey Operations needed to be someone who maybe had that hands on experience, or was that not really a consideration in your mind?

Dan Hilferty: I would say I started by talking about the three roles. For me, it was about leadership skills, and it was about getting the best people that would combine with the other two members. So, I would say I didn't give a lot of thought to having experience in that role before. Heck, I didn't have any experience in this role I've come into. Mine was more about blending the personalities. I said to Torts at one point, he didn't know who I was, but for a couple of months, I could watch him after games, during games. Same with Danny. So for me, it was about finding that person who was the third part of that triumvirate that would make the collective more successful. I would say in that regard, I never considered what the job was before, I just considered what the three together could do.

 

Dan, you were very clear that this rebuild will take time, and sometimes things can get worse before they get better. With that said, in a field where people can be quick to move on from a leadership structure, what are you going to be looking at to make sure they are on the right path, and how will you stay the course, how much leeway will they have?

Dan Hilferty: Well, I'm going to say this, that we all are aligned that this effort, this new era, will take time. I'm going to repeat what folks have said, we're going to do it the right way. We're going to be calculated in everything we do, and we're going to be measured about making steps forward. In terms of coaching, Coach Tortorella is going to make those decisions and develop the team. In terms of putting the team together, the two individuals we introduced today will take that leadership role. From a business perspective, Valerie. My job is just to make sure that we are all on the same page, that Valerie and I are doing what we need to do, and that those in hockey continue to work together to move it forward. It's interesting, I thought of another angle on this. We are all committed within each of our remarks to bringing our fan base along, frankly, having a really positive dialogue with those of you in the media so that you can see what we're doing, why we're doing it, and that yes, it's going to be a multi-year process. I firmly believe, optimistically so, that if we share that with the fans, if we meet them where they are, they'll come along on that journey and get to know our players better, the younger players as they develop. My barometer for success will be just making sure that we continue to work as a team, and that these three professionals working with – I believe – the best leader in sports and entertainment in Valerie, that we are truly moving in the right direction.

 

This question is for Danny. Any player coming into the league, you ask them what players have influenced them, they'll always give you Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl. Are there any other General Managers in the league right now that have influenced what you want to accomplish as the Flyers’ General Manager?

Daniel Briere: Definitely. From the time I started playing, I always saw myself more in the management role than a coach. I was always more interested in how teams were being built. I probably started that when I was with Buffalo, Darcy Regier had an influence. Then I came here and saw how Paul Holmgren was building his team throughout my stay here. Then I went to Montreal with Marc Bergevin, followed there and we got to the Conference Final. I saw how Joe Sakic started his rebuild in Colorado. I was there early on when, probably the second year, maybe, of his rebuild, so I saw how he was doing it. I've always been studying that. That's always an area that I was passionate about. I was not doing it expecting to be a GM one day, but that was certainly something that I hoped that one day I'd have the chance to build my own team.

 

Dan, Presidents of hockey teams can sometimes be recluse and unavailable to the public. How much of an advantage was it going into this process to know that Keith has the ability, not only in terms of a broadcaster, but doing morning radio to kind of be a face, and how much of that do you expect him to do going forward?

Dan Hilferty: I think that's a great question, a key component of the job. I also think that these three get along so well, that they'll be able to work collaboratively in speaking to the public on a regular basis. Where I thought you were going with the question was, how do I view it? And I mean, when I think of a President of a hockey club – I'm not even getting into the ownership aspect – I think of Ed Snider, and people said to me, “are you going to be like Ed Snider”, and my response is, “I can't be Ed Snider, I can only be myself”. A thing that is apparent to people I work with is I like being out there. So, I'm going to be walking around the arena. I'm going to go to events. My wife got embarrassed two weeks ago because we were leaving to fly to California and anybody that walked into the little waiting area before we got on the plane that had anything that remotely looked like a Flyers garb, I went up and introduced myself. I want that to be what we do as a leadership team, both from a hockey perspective, and from a business perspective. So, I know he's going to be out there. I'm going to be out there too, and I know Valerie is going to be out there, and I know Danny's going to be out there. Torts has a role to –

John Tortorella: I won't be out there.

Dan Hilferty: He won’t be out there. We were all excited when he showed up today.

 

This is for Keith. Dan has talked a lot about today the importance of collaboration in terms of hockey decisions. He also said that Danny is going to be making the trades, the signings, everything like that. Where do you see your role being in terms of influencing what decisions are made on the hockey side?

Keith Jones: A lot of it will be discussions with Danny. I'm here for Danny Briere, whatever he needs whenever he needs it. I will give my opinion to Danny and Danny will make the final decision on player personnel, trades, etc. He's going to be on the phone a lot. He's going to be busy, there's no doubt, but I will be there for him at all times. That will be my role. I would just like to touch on something. Dan mentioned Mr. Snider's name. This is Mr. Snider's team. This is the Philadelphia Flyers. We're going to work hard to honor that. To get out there for him. He did a lot for all of us, so we're not going to lose sight of that. That's one of the most important messages you can get from leaving here today.