I hear you, and I personally wish Hextall would relax just a little bit with the "communications policy" because I think it sometimes ends up being counterproductive. The GM ends up worrying about controlling mostly mundane things in an effort to make sure there are no leaks when bigger things arise

But it worked for Lou in NJ. It has worked for Dean Lombardi in LA.
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill! I wasn't trying to be confrontational, I was just voicing my opinion to say that these kids deserved better. Appreciate the thoughtful response.

Bill,
Do you think the key players like Giroux had any input at all in the coaching selection?
I'm guessing apart from maybe asking VandeVelde his opinion on the guy, there was no input asked for by even the captain.

I hear you, and I personally wish Hextall would relax just a little bit with the "communications policy" because I think it sometimes ends up being counterproductive. The GM ends up worrying about controlling mostly mundane things in an effort to make sure there are no leaks when bigger things arise

But it worked for Lou in NJ. It has worked for Dean Lombardi in LA.
- bmeltzer

I personally like one voice speaking for a team. It eliminates a lot of second guessing and mixed messages. Especially with some of the media in this town.

I personally like one voice speaking for a team. It eliminates a lot of second guessing and mixed messages. Especially with some of the media in this town.
- MJL

Its an almost must have for certain markets. Philly is certainly one of those markets. Look at what happened just a few years ago with Richards and co.

Thanks Bill! I wasn't trying to be confrontational, I was just voicing my opinion to say that these kids deserved better. Appreciate the thoughtful response.
- PLindbergh31

Its a tough situation. I'm sure he will talk to them now that its out, and I am sure that the kids are genuinely happy for him.

Sometimes you gotta do whats best for yourself.

Its an almost must have for certain markets. Philly is certainly one of those markets. Look at what happened just a few years ago with Richards and co.


- jak521

Toronto has to be going nuts right now waiting to see who they bring on board for GM & coach.

Its an almost must have for certain markets. Philly is certainly one of those markets. Look at what happened just a few years ago with Richards and co.


- jak521

Really don't have to go back any further than this past season to find examples of why it's needed.

Its an almost must have for certain markets. Philly is certainly one of those markets. Look at what happened just a few years ago with Richards and co.


- jak521

Well, if Richards and Carter weren't out all night getting drunk every night and doing massive amounts of cocaine...

I mean, um, "it's a hockey trade."

Its a tough situation. I'm sure he will talk to them now that its out, and I am sure that the kids are genuinely happy for him.

Sometimes you gotta do whats best for yourself.
- jak521

It sucks for some kids who probably agreed to go there because of the coach and the program. That's life.

Thanks Bill! I wasn't trying to be confrontational, I was just voicing my opinion to say that these kids deserved better. Appreciate the thoughtful response.
- PLindbergh31

It may be an unfortunate situation, but I'm sure it wasn't a malicious or thoughtless action by any parties. Just nature of the beast.

I hear you, and I personally wish Hextall would relax just a little bit with the "communications policy" because I think it sometimes ends up being counterproductive. The GM ends up worrying about controlling mostly mundane things in an effort to make sure there are no leaks when bigger things arise

But it worked for Lou in NJ. It has worked for Dean Lombardi in LA.
- bmeltzer

I know it's tough for writers, but as a fan.....I have to say, I have zero problem with how Hextall handles information flow.

/sorry Bill

It sucks for some kids who probably agreed to go there because of the coach and the program. That's life.
- MJL

Indeed it does, but coaching changes happen at upper levels of competition frequently.

They'll get over it.

Its a tough situation. I'm sure he will talk to them now that its out, and I am sure that the kids are genuinely happy for him.

Sometimes you gotta do whats best for yourself.
- jak521

Yes you do. In the case of student athletes I think they deserve the benefit of a phone call at the very least. Just me, but if I were put in that position I would have the courtesy to do what is right. If doing the right thing is a deal breaker, then so be it.

I mean are people so desensitized these days that eventually notifications to next of kin will be made via social media?

It sucks for some kids who probably agreed to go there because of the coach and the program. That's life.
- MJL

Im sure it does... It wasnt a malicious move.

For malicious moves, look no further than Penn's football coach Al Bagnoli.

Guy retires, collects his Penn pension, and then accepts rival Columbia's head coaching position.

Whatta guy.

does this make it more or less likely that they sign Parks?

i understand dealing with professionals is a bit different than college, but
if these guys dont take to disciplinary action and become a problem are they worth having on a team? College players can do the same for a coach if they dont like him they wont play for him.

I know it's tough for writers, but as a fan.....I have to say, I have zero problem with how Hextall handles information flow.

/sorry Bill
- johndewar

Hey, it's flamboyant and deceitful writers like Pinotch that ruin it for everyone. I don't blame Hextall for trying to keep such a tight ship.

Yes you do. In the case of student athletes I think they deserve the benefit of a phone call at the very least. Just me, but if I were put in that position I would have the courtesy to do what is right. If doing the right thing is a deal breaker, then so be it.

I mean are people so desensitized these days that eventually notifications to next of kin will be made via social media?
- PLindbergh31

Dude...please drop it. Really, please. This is the hill you'd die on as a coach?

there is quite a difference between taking an authoritarian approach with college kids (even ones who are considered top NHL prospects) and between pros who are making millions of dollars. The former HAVE to listen to the coach, especially a well-established one like Hakstol. The latter can -- and will -- challenge and gripe and, before too long, tune the guy out. That is especially true if the coach never played in the NHL and never coached at the pro level before.

Bill - can you foresee anyone on the current Flyers roster challenging and griping?

I ask because the leadership in the room has already been called in to question a number of times. Solid leadership can rein in the nay-sayers and help to maintain balance. If that's not there, it could be a tailspin/divided room very quickly.

Im sure it does... It wasnt a malicious move.

For malicious moves, look no further than Penn's football coach Al Bagnoli.

Guy retires, collects his Penn pension, and then accepts rival Columbia's head coaching position.

Whatta guy.
- jak521

AMATEUR ATHLETICS, EVERYONE!

Yes you do. In the case of student athletes I think they deserve the benefit of a phone call at the very least. Just me, but if I were put in that position I would have the courtesy to do what is right. If doing the right thing is a deal breaker, then so be it.

I mean are people so desensitized these days that eventually notifications to next of kin will be made via social media?
- PLindbergh31

So you are comparing being made aware of a death in the immediate family via twitter, to a hockey coach leaving a program?

The guy made a decision to move from collegiate ranks to the NHL, and had to be quiet about it. Not that crazy. I am sure he will talk to the guys. I am also sure they will wish him the best.

As for the incoming class, thats where things get hairy. BUT, they can also thank him for getting them into one of the best hockey colleges in the country.

Im sure it does... It wasnt a malicious move.

For malicious moves, look no further than Penn's football coach Al Bagnoli.

Guy retires, collects his Penn pension, and then accepts rival Columbia's head coaching position.

Whatta guy.
- jak521

He sounds like a genius. A scumbag genius, but a genius.

As for the incoming class, thats where things get hairy. BUT, they can also thank him for getting them into one of the best hockey colleges in the country.
- jak521

They also have the option of transferring for a little bit of time, if they should be so inclined.

So you are comparing being made aware of a death in the immediate family via twitter, to a hockey coach leaving a program?

The guy made a decision to move from collegiate ranks to the NHL, and had to be quiet about it. Not that crazy. I am sure he will talk to the guys. I am also sure they will wish him the best.

As for the incoming class, thats where things get hairy. BUT, they can also thank him for getting them into one of the best hockey colleges in the country.
- jak521

BRB, I have to go get a crying towel for those kids.

So you are comparing being made aware of a death in the immediate family via twitter, to a hockey coach leaving a program?

The guy made a decision to move from collegiate ranks to the NHL, and had to be quiet about it. Not that crazy. I am sure he will talk to the guys. I am also sure they will wish him the best.

As for the incoming class, thats where things get hairy. BUT, they can also thank him for getting them into one of the best hockey colleges in the country.
- jak521

I'm not comparing the two situations, I'm just making a point about how I think it's wrong what happened. I've said my peace on the situation. No need to keep discussing it.