Flyers Fire Stevens
It seems like it was only yesterday that I was posting here about the possibility of the Philadelphia Flyers canning coach John Stevens. And now it looks like the Flyers have made it official, firing Stevens after the team’s loss to the Canucks.
The team officially announced the decision during a press conference and named former Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette as the replacement. The Flyers spoke with Laviolette earlier today. TSN is reporting that Hurricanes assistant coach Kevin McCarthy was also given permission by Carolina to leave and join Laviolette as an assistant.
As many know, Laviolette was behind the bench in Carolina when the squad won the Cup in 2006.
“This was a very difficult decision for me to make given my relationship with John,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. “I want to thank him for his service to the Flyers organization over the years. However, in watching the team over the past few weeks I felt a new voice was needed in order to get us out of this and in the direction we expect.”
Stevens was named head coach of the Flyers in October of 2006 after coaching the team’s AHL affiliate for six seasons.
With Laviolette, the Flyers are getting a fresh look at things. He’ll bring an entirely new energy to the club, said Holmgren. “We look forward to him putting his stamp on the team quickly and getting our team headed in the right direction,” he said.
“Obviously this is a great opportunity. I am really excited,” said Laviolette. “The Flyers are an organization that has a lot of tradition and a lot of history. This is just an exciting time for me and my family and we are really looking forward to it.”
Posted by Jordan Richardson.
Tags: Coaching, firing, john stevens, paul holmgren, peter laviolette, Philadelphia Flyers
December 5th, 2009 at 12:47 am
It had to happen
now we will see just how much the guys respected Stevens
If Philly starts putting the puck in the net immediately, starts playing with Philly Flyer grit
it was pretty obvious they gave up on him.
I do have mixed emotions about this hiring and firing
I wonder if John Stevens was only able to take the team to this level.
And Laviolette will be able push the team further because he is a tougher coach and he has that playoff experience success.
I still think Berube was the guy,
Why?
What if the players don’t respect Peter, then this whole season will be a complete disaster.
I know at least Berube is liked by the guys and was already coaching in Philly.
I know no matter what this change will be an upgrade for Philly because Stevens was toast.
He could not get his team to play they were capable of playing.
And things were only going to get worse.
Just a thought, The Penguins fired their coach last year and things well got pretty good, to say the least.
I wonder if their cross state rivals Philadelphia might find themselves swimming with the same kind of fortunes
I will certainly be glued to the TV set to watch Philly face the Capitals on Saturday Night