The Philadelphia Flyers announced the signing of Rick Tocchet as their 25th head coach on Wednesday, May 14. Tocchet, who is the Jack Adams Trophy holder for best NHL coach, had parted ways with the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month.
Legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky’s son Ty posted a congratulatory message for Tocchet on Instagram. Tocchet and Gretzky had worked together when both were involved with the now-defunct Phoenix Coyotes franchise in the early 2000s.
Wayne Gretzky’s Son’s Encouraging Message for Rick Tocchet
On Wednesday, Ty reposted a message from the Instagram account of “Hockey Forever,” adding his own two-word caption.
“Let’s go,” Ty wrote in the caption, tagging Tocchet’s Instagram handle.
Tocchet replaced John Tortorella, who was fired by the Flyers organization on March 27. Tocchet, who had announced that he would not be signing a new deal with the Canucks on April 29, had also reportedly been in talks with the Seattle Kraken, Boston Bruins, and Anaheim Ducks.
Tocchet had a 108-65-27 with the Canucks over the past three seasons. He led them to the Pacific Division title last season and pushed eventual Stanley Cup finalists the Edmonton Oilers to seven games in Round 2 of the playoffs.
Tocchet began his playing career with the Flyers in 1984 and spent 11 of his 18 NH seasons with the team.
“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 via NHL.com. “I want to thank (general manager) Danny Briere, (president of hockey operations) Keith Jones and (governor) 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’s deal with the Flyers is allegedly worth $ 26.25 million. He also has a close relationship with Philadelphia president of hockey operations Keith Jones. The two were fellow teammates during their player days in the NHL.
“We are thrilled to have Rick lead our team into the future,” Jones said. “What is impressive about Rick is that players gravitate towards him and develop a strong relationship in the process. There is a genuine trust that he will do everything he can to bring success to the team.”
The Flyers went 33-39-10 this season, 15 points shy of the final playoff spot in the East.
