Photo Courtesy of Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images
If the last two seasons have shown anything it’s that there seems to be a leadership issue amongst the Flyers. When discussing leadership I’m referring to coaching and upper management. Specifically in reference to the way they’ve handled a majority of the Flyers roster, team building and bringing the best out of their own talent.
With a new coach and voice in John Tortorella presents the opportunity to change a lot of how the above may have been previously handled. The first aspect of doing so is ensuring a level playing field and treatment of players. Most importantly though it’s building up the confidence of this fragile Flyers team from the ground up. Due to the lack of success plauging the franchise it’s no surprise that player morale has likely been at an all time low. However, when a team has been as bad as the Flyers have been recently it’s certainly well warranted. Although such disappointing performances could arguably have affected players’ belief in their own games in certain regards.
The first focus of this new coaching staff and leadership group under Head Coach John Tortorella needs to be restoring player confidence team wide. Once a player shows effort and work ethic, a coach showing belief in that player to be in the right places and play with the correct habits is the first step to building trust as a hockey team and a cohesive group.
It’s evident such a belief in players diminished greatly during Alain Vigneault’s tenure as Head Coach. Further cementing how crucial it is for the new coaching staff to instill that in the Flyers roster. Ultimately, the main goal of this Tortorella regime should surround players believing in their coaches and the systems being implemented. Ensuring full buy-in to the new systems and tactics being put into place throughout training camp from the entire roster needs to be the focal point. Accomplishing the above begins with gaining the trust and respect of the Flyers players. From my perspective that’s something that seemed to have been lost between the majority of the Flyers roster and Alain Vigneault.
John Tortorella and his staff have been tasked with the difficult position of turning the goal mentioned earlier into a reality. It’s going to be their jobs to help rebuild these fractured relationships and the players’ belief in themselves, as well as, their teammates. Re-establishing a solid foundation and culture will be the first step in doing so and course correcting the mess that has been the Philadelphia Flyers organization. Only time will tell how successful Tortorella and his staff will be in achieving the culture change and overall player buy-in. This will include having players believe in the on ice systems, as well as, the identity and new culture of the Flyers franchise.
Gettin Gritty Wit It
On this week’s episode of the Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast we focused on the theme of leadership. Which led us into a discussion surrounding the Flyers leadership, defining what real leadership is and exactly where the Flyers were lacking such a crucial attribute last season.
Along with this we discussed the topics below:
-Many players scrimmaging/training before Training Camp
-Farabee on the ice for a few weeks at this point. Will he be ready for opening day?
-Who will be the next Flyers Captain?
-Bottom 6 for the Flyers looks intriguing
-Who will be the Flyers MVP this season?
Thanks for listening and for the support. Have a great week everyone!
