(Philadelphia) The management of the Philadelphia Flyers understands the perception associated with a team whose last Stanley Cup championship dates back to the 1970s and which decides to hire former players to straighten the bar.
Still, the Flyers chose this approach.
“I know what some people are thinking,” said Comcast Spectacor President Dan Hilferty. They don’t think hiring two more former Flyers is a fresh start. »
The Flyers introduced longtime TV analyst Keith Jones as team president on Friday, in addition to Daniel Briere, whose interim GM title was stripped. Jones and Brière played for the Flyers and stayed close to the organization after hanging up their skates.
The two spent the press conference tempering expectations, reminding them that they will need time to bring the team back to the NHL’s top flight. They added that the leading group — including coach John Tortorella — were on the same page.
And the fact that they are former Flyers? It doesn’t matter, Hilferty said. They were the best candidates available, he insisted, “and it happens that they are former members of the Flyers.”
Jones admitted he wouldn’t have taken a job with another team. He believes his 23 years of experience as an analyst of Flyers games and on national networks give him a different perspective on the league.
PHOTO MATT SLOCUM, ASSOCIATED PRESS
keith jones
The Flyers hired several firms and set up interviews with several candidates to finally choose someone who only had to give up his press card to get the job.
“I don’t understand why people started criticizing the fact that ‘Jonesey’ is a former Flyer, that ‘Danny’ is a former Flyer,” Tortorella said. Is it a disease to be a former member of the Flyers? Do you necessarily have to look outside the organization? What matters is the person in front of you and I’m proud that they are part of the Flyers. »
The Flyers had one of their worst seasons in franchise history under Tortorella last winter. They haven’t won the Stanley Cup since their triumphs in 1974 and 1975.
Brière was named interim general manager following the firing of Chuck Fletcher in March. Hilferty was named president of Comcast Spectacor, the Flyers’ parent company, a short time later.
Over the years, the Flyers have often relied on former stars of the team in hopes of guiding them to the top honors, be it Bobby Clarke or Ron Hextall. The days when the Flyers were one of the powerhouses of the NHL and their arena, one of the most intimidating on the league, seem long gone.
“I think it’s a good thing that alumni are proud of the organization,” Tortorella said. That’s what surprises me about the general reaction. I don’t understand why the team is criticized or said to do things the same way. »
Brière, Jones, Tortorella and the other leaders all promised to work together to modernize the team under the Comcast Spectacor banner.
Hilferty reiterated that the team was not for sale, despite several question marks.
“Comcast Spectacor expects a long and successful reign as owner of the Flyers,” he said.
Let the adventure begin.