As per every NHL source, Peter Laviolette has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. Laviolette, who coached the team from December 2009 until today, had a record of 145-98-29 in his term with the team, reaching the playoffs in three of the four full seasons he coached, and also brought the team to a Stanely Cup Final in 2010.
Coming into this season, it was rumored that Laviolette would be on a short leash after missing the playoffs last season, but no one believed that the leash would be this short.
“I’m surprised that it happened to him. I’m surprised it happened that quickly”, said head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Randy Carlyle.
With every firing, there needs to be a replacement. In the case, one of Laviolette’s own assistant coaches, Craig Berube, has been promoted to replace Laviolette as head coach of the team.
“Craig [Berube] is one of the smartest hockey guys I’ve ever seen around”, said GM Paul Holmgren.
Berube has never coached before in the NHL, but he has had his fair share of success in the game. He played from 1986-2003 for 5 different teams, the Flyers, Maple Leafs, Flames, Capitals, and Islanders. In his 1054 games played, Berube had 159 points and 3149 penalty minutes. He has coached the Flyers affiliate team, the Phantoms, a couple different times.
Accompanying Berube behind the bench is first time assistant coach and former Flyer Ian Laperriere. as well as Mike Paddock, who was also an assistant coach for Laviolette.
I expect a major change in the way that the team is going to play under Berube. I think that Berube will enforce a more defensive minded style and I think that this change will be a good thing for the team.
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