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Flyers fire Stevens Print
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Written by Denis Gorman   
Friday, December 04, 2009 20:59
The Flyers fired John Stevens as head coach Friday afternoon. In an evening press conference, the organization introduced former Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette as the 17th head coach in franchise history.

Stevens, who coached the Flyers for little more than three full seasons, has a record of 120-109-34. However, after an off-season spending spree which saw the Flyers acquire Chris Pronger, Ian Laperriere, Brian Boucher and Ray Emery, one of the pre-season Stanley Cup favorites is only 13-11-1. Philadelphia sits in fourth place in the Atlantic Division, ahead of only the New York Rangers.

“This was a very difficult decision for me to make given my relationship with John," general manager Paul Holmgren told reporters. "I want to thank him for his service to the Flyers organization over the years. However, in watching the team over the past few weeks I felt a new voice was needed in order to get us out of this and in the direction we expect. Peter Laviolette brings experience along with a different approach to the game. We look forward to him putting his stamp on the team quickly and getting our team headed in the right direction.”

Following a 3-0 home shutout loss to Vancouver, captain Mike Richards reportedly called a team meeting. Pronger said about the team’s struggles after the game, “If I had the answer, we wouldn't be sitting here talking about this right now."

"I know this was a very difficult decision for Paul to make. And I really feel bad for John because he's been a terrific long-time member of our organization," owner Ed Snider said. "I was hoping that the team would play better and that this could have been avoided, but after last night's game, I think Paul felt he had to make this change. I make it a policy never to overrule my general manager, because once I do, it means I've lost confidence in him. I really want to wish John the best."

In seven years with the Islanders and Hurricanes, Laviolette has a record of 244-188-25-30. He reached the playoffs three times (2001-02 and 2002-03 with the Islanders and 2005-06 with the Hurricanes). In 2005-06, he coached the Hurricanes to Southeast, Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships.  

"Obviously this is a great opportunity. I am really excited," Laviolette said. "The Flyers are an organization that has a lot of tradition and a lot of history. This is just an exciting time for me and my family and we are really looking forward to it."

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Last Updated on Sunday, December 06, 2009 09:15