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The Flyers announced a series of changes (a “slew” of them) to their hockey operations staff for the 2026-27 season on September 2, 2026, according to General Manager Danny Briere.
These focus on athletic training, performance/conditioning, equipment, scouting, team services, and the AHL affiliate (Lehigh Valley Phantoms).
Key NHL-level moves include:
- Alex Ambrose promoted to Head Athletic Trainer (previously Assistant Athletic Trainer for three seasons with the Flyers; earlier AHL experience with Charlotte Checkers and Springfield Thunderbirds).
- Zach Casinelli hired as Assistant Athletic Trainer (recently Head Athletic Trainer with the Charlotte Checkers).
- Melissa Rucker promoted to Head Massage Therapist (after six seasons as a Massage Therapist with the club).
- Abe Edson hired as Head of Athlete Performance (from Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Minnesota Wild; prior Blues organization experience).
- Chris Gratton (former Flyer) joins as Performance Coach (from the Phantoms’ strength staff; previously interned under Edson).
- Lorne Goldenberg joins as Performance Development Coach (40+ years of NHL experience with multiple teams, including as Strength and Conditioning Coach).
- Ryan Adkins hired as Director of Athlete Rehabilitation (from Physical Therapist roles with the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers).
- These performance/medical staff report to Vice President of Athlete Performance and Wellness Daniel Bove.
- Jake Rogers joins the equipment staff (from Head Equipment Manager/Director of Minor League Team Services with the Phantoms).
- Dave Morrison named Amateur Scout (22 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs in various hockey ops/scouting roles, including Director of Amateur Scouting and Director of Player Personnel; former NHL player).
- Kevin Braeunle promoted to Manager of Team Services (from Manager of Team Operations).
Lehigh Valley Phantoms additions/promotions:
- Joe Hurley promoted to Head Athletic Trainer.
- Evan Hanberry hired as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.
- Gavin Bastarche hired as Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach.
- Jon Evans promoted to Head Equipment Manager.
- Liam Singer hired as Assistant Equipment Manager. nhl.com
Reports describe this as an overhaul of the training, therapy, conditioning, and equipment sides (with promotions and new hires totaling around 15 changes across NHL and AHL levels), plus bringing in experienced scouting help and a former player in Gratton.
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