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In the light hearted segment, apparently Seider and Raymond are paying for the first team dinner. One of those in the room jokes we hear about when someone jumps to the higher pay grade. At least in presentation, there seems to be no concern about perception within the room or amongst teammates. What ended up as (opinion) a very reasonable 7 year deal shouldn’t have rattled any cages and it’s time to get going. Seider addressed the reduction in goals against as a priority and seems ready to play. It will be good to get those first on ice glimpses.
In an odd find, over in Philadelphia, a presser with John Tortorella focused on staff more than the team. John had reached out to the father of Johnny Gaudreau and invited him to join the coaching staff on ice. Torts had never met the father, just gave him a call knowing that the grieving parent had coached many youngsters in the area and wanted to help in a difficult healing process. Apparently the players circled around the guest coach and gave stick taps.
It doesn’t end there. Tortorella wants Mr. Gaudreau to join up and be part of things. Plug in, get involved and integrate into the Flyer family. This is where the game stands tall. The hockey world is ironically small in terms of relationships. Everyone seems to have a connection within four to six degrees to everyone else. A tip of the cap to see the Flyers do something that feels like a timely moment of good will and genuine caring. This is a beautiful moment in the storm of a season gearing up and the hope that it will bring some peace to a family devastated is a welcome reprieve for a family in mourning.