The Flyers have turned to a familiar face to be their next head coach.
The team announced Wednesday that former captain Rick Tocchet has been named the 25th head coach in franchise history, taking over for John Tortorella, who was fired during another disappointing season in Philly.
But now, the organization hopes Tocchet’s return, this time behind the bench, will usher in a new era and get back to the competitive roots the franchise had when Tocchet was in uniform.
“I am very happy to welcome Rick Tocchet as our head coach,” general manager Daniel Briere said in a press release. “During this process it became clear that Rick was the absolute right coach to lead our team. He has enjoyed the highest level of success both as a player and coach. Rick’s ability to teach and understand his players, combined with his passion for winning, brings out the best in young players at different stages of their development and has earned the respect and confidence of highly talented All-Stars and veteran players alike.”
The 61-year-old Tocchet was most recently the head coach of the Canucks up until last season. He spent three years in Vancouver and has also been the head coach for the Lightning and Coyotes, compiling a total record of 286-265-87. Tocchet was an assistant coach with the Penguins and won two Stanley Cups in the Steel City.
As a player, Tocchet spent nearly 11 seasons with the Flyers, holding the franchise record in penalty minutes while logging 232 goals in that span. He is a member of the Flyers Hall of Fame.
“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,” Tocchet said. “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.”