Rick Tocchet Always Knew Being Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks Was Not Going to Be A Long Term Gig
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Former Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet has made his first public comments since being hired as the 25th bench boss in Philadelphia Flyers history.
After weeks of rumors, the Philadelphia Flyers made it official on Wednesday as they hired Rick Tocchet as their next head coach.
Tocchet was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round in 1983 and went on to spend parts of 11 seasons with them during his National Hockey League career, including part of the 1991-92 season as their captain before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rick Tocchet makes first public comments after being hired by Philadelphia Flyers
Following the news of Tocchet's hiring, the Philadelphia Flyers shared a press release which featured comments from General Manager Danny Briere, President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones, as well as the former Vancouver Canucks bench boss.
In a statement, Tocchet says that he's always been a Flyer at heart and that he thanks Briere, Jones, as well as Team Governor Dan Hilferty for giving him the opportunity to become the Head Coach for his former club.
Tocchet added that the Flyers have a lot of work to do in order to accomplish their goals, but he's confident in the direction that the organization is heading.
"I've always been a Flyer at heart and have taken that passion and energy that embodies this city and organization with me throughout my career. I want to thank Danny Briere, Keith Jones and Dan Hilferty for this honor and opportunity. I couldn't be more excited to lead this team back among the NHL elite where we belong. We have a lot of work to do and much to accomplish, but I am confident in the direction we are heading and determined to get us there." Tocchet said.
Not only is Tocchet joining his former club, he's also become one of the highest-paid coaches in the National Hockey League with an annual salary of $5.25 million, just behind Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper, who is earning $5.5 million USD on his current deal.
The Philadelphia Flyers have had a tough go in recent years, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in five consecutive seasons, but with a new voice behind the bench and a core featuring Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim and Matvei Michkov, there's no question they'll be able to turn things around sooner rather than later.
Source: Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers Name Rick Tocchet Head Coach
Flyers Name Rick Tocchet Head Coach
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MAI 15 | 825 ANSWERS Rick Tocchet Always Knew Being Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks Was Not Going to Be A Long Term Gig Do you think the Philadelphia Flyers are the right team for Rick Tocchet? | ||
| Yes | 651 | 78.9 % |
| No | 174 | 21.1 % |
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