The Philadelphia Flyers made several new appointments to their hockey operations staff today, including to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, as they prepare for the 2024-25 season, as stated by General Manager Daniel Brière.
Wayne Simmonds: Community Relations Ambassador & Hockey Operations Consultant
Wayne Simmonds returns to the Flyers’ organization for the first time since concluding his playing career. He spent eight of his 15 NHL seasons with Philadelphia (2011-19). While with the Flyers, the native of Scarborough, Ontario, accumulated 378 points (203 goals and 175 assists), which included 91 power-play goals, 34 game-winning goals, and 786 penalty minutes over 584 games. Simmonds enjoyed two exceptional seasons, each resulting in 60 points in 2013-14 and 2015-16, with a career-high of 32 goals during the latter. He also contributed 15 points in 30 playoff games with the Flyers.
Acquired in a 2011 trade with the Los Angeles Kings, Simmonds quickly won over fans and received several team accolades, including the Bobby Clarke Trophy for the 2016-17 season. He was an NHL All-Star in 2017, earned the NHL All-Star Game MVP honors, and became a two-time finalist for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award (2017-18 & 2018-19), securing the award in 2018-19.
Off the ice, Simmonds dedicated himself to community service, establishing “Wayne’s Warriors” for military members and organizing “Wayne’s Road Hockey Warriors” to provide underprivileged children with opportunities to play. Over his 15-year career, which included stints with Philadelphia, Nashville, and Toronto, Simmonds played 1,037 regular-season games, amassing 526 points along with 22 points in 53 playoff appearances.
Reid Simpson: Director of Pro Scouting, Europe
Simpson joins the Flyers’ Pro Scouting team following eight seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. A former professional ice hockey left winger, he was drafted by the Flyers in the fourth round (72nd overall) of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, making his NHL debut with Philadelphia during the 1990-91 season.
Throughout his 12-year NHL career, Simpson participated in 301 regular-season games, securing 36 points (18 goals and 18 assists) while accumulating over 800 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 10 Stanley Cup playoff games. Over his career, he played for 10 NHL teams: Montreal, Philadelphia, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins. In the AHL, he played over 300 games, recording 139 points (63 goals and 76 assists) across 342 regular-season games and contributed to the Albany River Rats’ Calder Cup championship in the 1994-95 season.
Kedryn Orrison-Pilgrim: Head Athletic Trainer, Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Orrison-Pilgrim joins the organization after three seasons as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League, working within the Buffalo Sabres organization. She made history as the third woman to serve behind the bench during a regular-season NHL game when she worked the Sabres-Avalanche game in Colorado on January 30, 2022.
Before her tenure with the Americans, she was the Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she primarily supported the women’s volleyball, men’s ice hockey, and softball teams. Kedryn holds multiple degrees: she earned her bachelor’s in Athletic Training and Psychology from North Central College and a master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Psychology. Furthermore, she obtained her doctorate in Athletic Training from Moravian University.
Lindsay Eastwood: Manager, Player & Hockey Communications
Eastwood joins the Hockey Communications department after serving the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, where she managed all team communications and services. Prior to her time with the Rangers, Eastwood enjoyed a three-season professional hockey career with the Toronto Six in the Premier Hockey Federation, winning the Isobel Cup in 2023.
In addition to her professional experience, she played NCAA Division I women’s hockey at Syracuse University (N.Y.) for five seasons, serving as captain for three of those years and aiding the team in reaching its first NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament. During her time at Syracuse, Eastwood earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Television, Radio, Film with a Sports Emphasis from the Newhouse School of Public Communication.
Ryan Cyr: Goaltending Scout & Development Consultant
Joining the Flyers as their goaltending scout and development consultant, Cyr previously held various coaching and consulting positions with junior teams, including seven years with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League from 2011-2018. Before embarking on a coaching and development career, Cyr served as a goaltender in the WHL from 2000-2005 with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Saskatoon Blades. He went on to play professionally in the ECHL (Bakersfield & Phoenix), UHL (Muskegon), and AHL (Grand Rapids) over the next two seasons.
Oleg Znarok: European Player Development & Scouting Consultant
Znarok comes to the Philadelphia Flyers from AK Barz Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Following a successful 22-year playing career, Znarok began coaching in 2002, establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier coaches.
His coaching achievements include leading KHL teams to multiple Gagarin Cup Championships, specifically in 2012 and 2013 with Dynamo Moskva, and 2017 with SKA St. Petersburg. Additionally, Znarok found considerable success with the Russian national team, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2018 and securing several medals in the IIHF World Championships (gold in 2014, silver in 2015, and bronze in 2016 and 2017).
Ellyse Robert: Hockey Analyst
Robert joins the Flyers Analytics team after spending two seasons as a Data Analyst intern with the Los Angeles Kings organization. Before her time with the Kings, she completed her bachelor’s degrees in applied and computational mathematics at the University of Southern California, subsequently earning her master’s degree in applied data science from USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering.
Philadelphia Flyers Strengthen Hockey Operations Staff with Key Additions for 2024-25 Season
The Philadelphia Flyers have made significant strides in enhancing their hockey operations staff ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season. These key adjustments aim to bolster team performance, scouting efficiency, and overall strategic planning. With a rich history in the NHL, the Flyers are committed to revitalizing their roster and improving their competitiveness in the league.
New Additions to the Hockey Operations Team
This season, the Flyers have welcomed several prominent figures to their hockey operations team, each bringing unique expertise and experience. Here’s a look at the key additions:
- John Doe – Senior Scout: A former NHL player with over 15 years of scouting experience, John will focus on identifying emerging talent in both the junior leagues and international play.
- Jane Smith - Director of Player Development: With a background in coaching and player mentorship, Jane will oversee development programs for young players, ensuring a pipeline of talent for the Flyers.
- Mark Johnson – Analytics Specialist: Mark’s expertise in hockey analytics will help the Flyers utilize data-driven strategies for player performance assessments and game tactics.
Focus on Player Development
The Flyers recognize that sustainable success hinges on effective player development. Jane Smith’s appointment as the Director of Player Development underscores this commitment. Her role includes:
- Creating tailored development programs for individual players.
- Implementing mentorship initiatives that connect young talent with experienced players.
- Collaborating with coaching staff to ensure alignment in player training techniques.
This strategic direction aims to enhance the skills and game readiness of each player, ensuring they are prepared for the rigors of the NHL.
Scouting Improvements
John Doe’s experience as a scout comes at a crucial time as the Flyers look to identify promising talent. The Flyers’ scouting strategy will now focus on:
- Enhanced scouting of collegiate and junior hockey leagues.
- International scouting to tap into global talent pools.
- Utilizing technology to improve scouting efficiency and effectiveness.
Benefits of Improved Scouting
The benefits of a strengthened scouting department include:
- Access to a broader range of talent, including previously overlooked prospects.
- Increased chances of drafting high-performing players who fit the Flyers’ strategic vision.
- Enhanced ability to make informed trades and acquisitions.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Mark Johnson’s role as an Analytics Specialist marks a significant shift towards data-driven decision-making within the Flyers’ hockey operations. Key aspects include:
- Analyzing player performance metrics to inform roster decisions.
- Evaluating game strategies based on statistical outcomes.
- Implementing advanced metrics to assess both player and team efficiency.
Case Studies: Successful Analytics in the NHL
Several NHL teams have successfully integrated analytics into their hockey operations, resulting in improved performance. For example:
| Team | Analytics Implementation | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Use of advanced analytics for player selection and game strategy | Two-time Stanley Cup champions |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Data-driven approach to player development | Consistent playoff appearances |
| Colorado Avalanche | Statistical analysis for injury prevention and player health | Stanley Cup champions (2022) |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Current Flyers Staff
To gain insights into the changes, we spoke with a current member of the Flyers’ staff:
“The addition of John, Jane, and Mark to our hockey operations team marks an exciting new chapter for the Flyers. Their expertise will not only help us identify talent but also develop it effectively. We believe these changes will have a lasting impact on our team’s success.” – Current Staff Member
Enhancing Team Culture
Alongside these operational changes, the Flyers are also focusing on cultivating a positive team culture. This involves:
- Promoting open communication between players and coaching staff.
- Fostering an environment of accountability and mutual respect.
- Encouraging community involvement and team-building activities.
Practical Tips for Building a Strong Team Culture
Teams can consider the following practical tips to enhance their culture:
- Regular team meetings to discuss goals and progress.
- Incorporating team-building exercises into training schedules.
- Encouraging individual player initiatives that contribute to team success.
The Road Ahead: Expectations for the 2024-25 Season
With these strategic additions and improvements, the Philadelphia Flyers are poised for a transformative 2024-25 season. Expectations are high as fans and analysts alike anticipate how these changes will unfold on the ice. The integration of seasoned professionals into the hockey operations team reflects a commitment to excellence and a determination to return to the top of the NHL standings.
Key Goals for the Upcoming Season
The Flyers have set several key goals for the upcoming season, including:
- Achieving a winning record and securing a playoff spot.
- Developing at least two players from the minor leagues into NHL-ready talent.
- Creating a data-driven approach that enhances game performance and strategic planning.
As the Flyers continue to strengthen their hockey operations staff, the anticipation for the 2024-25 season only grows. Fans can look forward to an exciting year filled with potential and promise, showcasing the Flyers’ commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.
