Philadelphia Flyers extend Peter Laviolette’s contract as head coach of the team –NHL Update
Peter Laviolette, who had led Philadelphia Flyers to Stanley Cup finals in his very first season two years back, has been given extension as a head coach of the team.
This move was no surprise as it was expected, after there were a lot of speculations going on about this extension.
In June, general manager of the Flyers’ Paul Holmgren had indicated that it would be done and few days back there were reports that extension’s announcement would be announced within a week.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed officially by anyone but according to media reports, it is extended for two years that is from 2013-2015. Laviolette’s current contract expires at the end of 2013 season.
General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, Paul Holmgren told that there was no way that Laviolette would not have been given an extension.
The 56-year-old, former NHL player had a lot of good things to say about 47-year-old Laviolette as he hailed him as a tremendous coach, doing a marvellous job. Holmgren thinks that Laviolette is a good man and deserved it as he said,
"There was never a question that this wasn't going to get done," Holmgren said. "I am very happy to have it done. Peter is a tremendous coach in our league, and he has done a tremendous job for the Flyers. I know that is going to continue”.
Born in Franklin, Massachusetts, former New York Rangers’ player started his coaching career with New York Islanders in 2001 and guided them into Stanley Cup playoffs in two consecutive seasons, before joining Carolina Hurricanes in 2003. He had mixed fortunes
at Flames as he missed Stanley Cup playoffs in three seasons before getting fired in 2008-2009 season.
The 6-foot-2, 200 pounder, Laviolette said that he is also excited to come to team like Philadelphia and also praised Paul Holmgren as he said,
"I was really excited to come to a market like Philadelphia, and an organization like this with the history, the ownership, and working for Paul."
The former defenseman also added that,
“There's a great group of players here, and to come back and be able to continue to work here is where I want to be."
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