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VOORHEES, N.J. – A new era of Flyers hockey officially began Thursday morning when the organization introduced Alain Vigneault as the new head coach.
At Flyers Skate Zone, Vigneault and General Manager Chuck Fletcher answered questions at a televised news conference. They then spoke to the media.
Here are five points to remember from the meeting:
1. It has not taken a long time
Everything happened quickly, which tells you how much Fletcher wanted Vigneault.
Ten days ago, Fletcher announced that the process of identifying the next Flyers head coach was underway. Shortly after, he contacted Ranger General Manager Jeff Gorton to ask him permission to interview Vigneault, still on contract with New York following his dismissal last April.
Vigneault said the Flyers were one of two teams to have already requested an interview.
Fletcher and Vigneault organized a meeting this weekend in Aventura, Florida, where Vigneault has a home. After an interview and dinner, Fletcher knew that Vigneault was his guy. Vigneault also knew that the Flyers suited him.
"Met Chuck, flew to Florida last Saturday," said Vigneault. "We had an excellent meeting, we spoke again Sunday and finalized Monday."
Fletcher did his due diligence, but it is clear that Vigneault was on his radar from the first day.
"Once I knew there was a fit, there was no reason to continue the process," Fletcher said.
"There were a few people at the top of the list when I took office, so I focused on that group and Alain was the guy.
"There were a few other people with whom I had phone calls or who I had permission to speak with, other quality coaches, but I will say that I have passed a lot more time with Alain than with anyone else. "
2. The time is now
Fletcher and Vigneault touched on many topics including organizational philosophy, coaching tactics, communication and areas for improvement.
One area that really stands out is the way both think the Flyers can win now.
This shared belief may have been the most important.
Fletcher was summoned by a pressing request from management to make the Flyers even more competitive, much sooner than later. Vigneault perfectly coincided with this message at this stage of his career. He has been away twice in the Stanley Cup final and loves what the Flyers have put in place.
What I was looking for in my new coaching opportunity was three things. The first thing I was looking for was an opportunity to win – a short-term opportunity to win a Stanley Cup. When I look at and analyze the parts we have here in Philadelphia, when I look at and analyze the options we have to improve this team, it ticks me.
This is without a doubt one of the best franchises in the National Hockey League. In my mind and after talking to a lot of people who know this franchise and have been in the game, this team is in full swing.
In my list, I need one last thing: I have to win a Stanley Cup. I approached twice. I was very fortunate to work for three major organizations: the Montreal Canadiens, the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. I approached twice. I think it will be good.
(Zack Hill / Philadelphia Flyers)
3. The assets are good
It does not hurt to be part of an organization that has the financial flexibility to fill the gaps and complement existing capabilities.
"Yes, there is no doubt," says Vigneault. "Without a doubt."
According to CapFriendly.com, Vigneault knew this was an attractive part of the program with the Flyers, who could have more than $ 30 million in capped space before the team took care of its young, restricted free agents.
"We sat down and established and identified a good list of areas in which we need to improve this team and in which we need to deepen," said Vigneault. "You talked about goalkeeper, from the outset, the central position would probably be a place where we would like to take a look at.Is this possible we will see.But we are looking at some options and if can put the right things in place, it's going to be very fun. "
When Vigneault met Fletcher, he was sold on the big screen, which he says will also attract players.
"We have expressed different theories, different principles, I told him about the importance of the organization," Vigneault said. "In today's game, you have to make sure that the environment you are creating is – I do not want to say a professional player, but that may entice players to choose Philly as their destination. they will get the best development, they will have the best coaching be it strength, psychological coaches, etc.
"You need a total commitment on the part of the owners and there is no doubt that we have one here."
(Zack Hill / Philadelphia Flyers)
4. "Talent does not have an age" & # 39;
Vigneault said he was not hesitant to play with younger players, a hot topic in New York.
I firmly believe that talent does not have an age. If a 19 year old guy can step in and help the Flyers win and be competitive, he will play. Talent does not have an age. All you have to do is put the players, young and old, as well as your main players, in situations where they can best help the team.
But he will insist on systems, fundamentals and correct play, which is why Fletcher likes it so much for the Flyers.
"The players are looking for direction," said Vigneault. "If you give a path to a player and a team and you do it, you do it that way, you put the time, you're going to be successful, you're doing the same thing with your team, they're going to follow you. . "
During a conference call Monday, Fletcher focused on accountability.
Vigneault said that there was a balance to be respected by the players to make the most of it.
Some players have a little more money in the bank because they have been around for a little longer and they have better skills than others. Some players have a little more latitude to play certain games. But there are times … you have a lead of one goal, five minutes in the game, or two minutes in the second period, or two minutes in the first – there is no latitude at that time.
You must make the right game at the right time for the benefit of the team. And you live to try another day. These are all parts of players who understand what it takes to win. Once they understand that, you have a real environment.
5. First order of the day
It's a busy time for Vigneault. He will be head coach of Team Canada at the 201H World Championship IIHF May 10-26.
What's at the top of his to-do list with his current Flyers mandate?
"Right now, because of my schedule, I would first like to meet the coaches who are here, and talk with them," Vigneault said. "If I have the decision to go ahead, I can talk quickly to Chuck.As I will be gone for the month of May, I can probably start.If I have to start a process, I can during this time. "
So far, no decision has been made regarding the status of assistant coaches Kris Knoblauch (power play), Ian Laperriere (penalty shoot-out), Rick Wilson (defensemen) and Kim Dillabaugh (goalkeepers).
"There is no doubt in my mind that the coaching staff that is present at this time is very solid and very competent, so I want to take the time to talk to these guys, hopefully the next week before I leave for Europe, "says Vigneault. "Chuck and I are going to turn around and find what is best for this group."
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