Today was the first day new Flyers coach Alain Vigneault got to meet with the assembled media. With general manager Chuck Fletcher by his side, Vigneault acquitted himself quite well. Fletcher noted that AV represents a caliber of coach that doesn’t just become available often.

Three things Vigneault was looking for:

  1. Opportunity to win short-term to win a Stanley Cup. Analyzed parts in Philly and options to
    improve the team, gets a checkmark.
  2. Possibility to work with GM that shares same ideas in building a winner, building a hockey
    culture, develop players. To make a high-end winning environment and place where players
    would want to be.
  3. First-class organization. In today’s competitive NHL, you need total commitment from
    ownership. That’s here.

Positive Things He Saw With the Flyers

Solid youth with a lot of upside. Great goaltending. Solid core group that needs the right direction.
Combination of solid veteran players that can still contribute at this level. Flyers are a very good team w/
proper direction and culture will be a great team going forward.

On Islanders’ Coach Barry Trotz’ Ability to Turn Around His Team

Barry Trotz did an incredible job. Definite mindset on what he thought needed to be done:

“I know what it takes for a team to have success on a consistent basis. With Proper direction and proper coaching staff working with management, the Flyers – with the potential on this team – will be a great team going forward.”

On Preconceived Notions of the Team

Didn’t follow the Flyers more than any other team. Talking to people, there were issues with consistency. No preconceived notions. Players can show what type of player and person they are. “Team
first” is important. “As a coach, you have to adapt to the team in front of you. With a young team, you need to help them grow. Who has the leadership qualities to be that player on the ice and dressing room?” Best leadership is when a player can influence others: vocal leadership, leadership by example. Needs to be true to oneself.

The Importance of Developing Young Players

Confident in his capabilities to help players grow. Leadership by influence where player takes advice and influences two/three other guys, who influence 2-3 other guys, assistant coaches influences, etc.

Two of best leaders were the Sedin brothers. When they spoke, everyone listened. They didn’t say much. Changing the dynamic of the team.

“There’s a high skill level up front. From my side of the bench, I could sense a willingness to win. Could sense by energy and commitment level that they’re in it to win. I need to give them what they need to work the right way.

“When I took over the Canucks, it was a younger team that had pieces that were coming together, so I was part of their development and growth. With the Rangers, it was a more veteran group. As a coach, you need to coach what you have in front of you. Teams and staffs have to know how to develop young players and help them learn to be a pro. Have to work with core players to establish the standards and what we’re looking to accomplish. Older veterans might not be able to perform at the same level as before, but can contribute to the locker room; they can be a big asset to a team.”

Coaching Philosophy

Development of young players. Starts with development coaches, strength and conditioning coaches. Talent has no age. If a guy at 19 years of age can contribute and succeed, he should play.

NY Media criticism (Didn’t use young players enough): “I’m not perfect. I know there are a lot of areas I can get better at. In my time in Vancouver, I was criticized for the same thing. Three of the players I was most criticized for: one was retired by 26, one was a role player, one needed to get his personal issues together and thankfully he did. Was I perfect with all of them? No. But, I think my record is pretty good with young players, core players and older players. Everybody has their opinion. It’s part of the coaching job. Some people are going to like what Chuck and I do… some aren’t.”

What He Learned from a Year Away

“The year away from the game put things in perspective: how much I love the game, how much I missed the game, and I need one more thing: a Stanley Cup. I’ve worked for three great organizations. I’ve come close. I believe this will the right one. After a year off and figuring out I’ll never be the golfer I wanted to be, I’m ready.”

“Really good players here who have performed at a high level. I can get them to be more consistent. Game preparation: works with players to focus on how to be successful vs. every opponent. There’s a player accountability piece. Player have to get into a mental zone to compete and perform at a high level.”

On the Rest of the Coaching Staff

Chuck Fletcher noted that the team and Vigneault went through the contract discussion last week and AV’s coaching Team Canada at the World Championships. Alain will speak with the coaches on staff.

Vigneault: “This happened quickly. I had prior engagements with Hockey Canada for three days of work session prior to coming here. The staff here at this time is competent. I want to talk to these guys prior to leaving for Europe.”

Since he’ll be gone for May, he’ll need to start a process at that time if vacancies need to be filled. Going to contact players and conditioning staff to make sure everyone is left with their personal programs.

Player Responsibility

Vigneault stated multiple times that players need to get themselves in that mental state, mental zone to execute, perform, and compete. Every player will know his part in this. He said he and his staff will give them the information for the coming opponent and for the team’s coming opponent.

On Establishing a Team Identity

Build around the pieces that are there. High tempo, take it to them, with D’s jumping up into play, forwards making the right decisions, getting the puck in behind them. Team will understand the
details that will allow them to win. We feel we have a good-skilled team.

On His Conversation with Giroux

Player and coach’s conversations are private. Everything he’s heard about Giroux is his passion to win. AV introduced himself. Also joked that he perhaps tried to convince Giroux to play for Team Canada. “He’s a smart young man. His willingness to bring a championship to Philly is nothing but positive.”

The Importance of Direction for a Player and the Team

Firmly believes players look for direction. “If you give a player and a team a path to success and do the same thing with a team, they’ll follow. Philly is one of the best franchises in the NHL. People in the game who know this franchise know this team is on the upswing.”

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