The Philadelphia Flyers formally began a “New Era of Orange” on Friday when they introduced Keith Jones and Danny Briere to the press as their new president of hockey operations and general manager, respectively.
The press conference came just two days after Frank Seravalli first broke that the Flyers were seriously considering Jones for the job.
Jones and Briere, who has served as interim GM since the Flyers fired Chuck Fletcher on March 10, were flanked by coach John Tortorella and chairman Daniel Hilferty, who joined the team in February after a long and successful career at Independence Blue Cross.
Hilferty, the team’s new governor, spoke glowingly about the hires.
“We intend to honor the incredible history of the Orange and Black while paving a fresh path forward,” Hilferty said. “I have full confidence that both Keith and Danny, together with coach Tortorella, [CEO of Spectacor Sports Valerie] Camillo, and me, are the right leadership team to guide the Philadelphia Flyers.”
Jones, who has watched the Flyers from the broadcast booth for over a decade and played for the team from 1998-2001, was humbled by his new role.
“To be able to lead this team back to the winning tradition … is a true honor and one that I do not take lightly,” Jones said. “I consider the Philadelphia Flyers organization the gold standard of the NHL and professional sports.”
Briere was no less excited.
“These last few months have only strengthened my resolve and made me even more eager to rebuild this team and deliver this city a Stanley Cup,” he told the assembled media.
The Flyers have never been further from contention, but Hilferty, Jones and Briere painted a picture of a refocused organization that will not shy away from the work it takes to regain its stripes.
Hiring former players to important roles garnered groans from some corners of the Flyers fan base. Still, this leadership structure is different from any they are used to.
Hilferty is a hockey outsider brought in to end Comcast’s incompetent post-Ed Snider stewardship of the team. Though they are former Flyers, Briere and Jones come from outside the ubiquitous Bob Clarke line of succession.
Jones has the unique perspective of entering his role as president while already knowing every player on the team personally.
Briere is a fresh face as GM but has garnered interest from other organizations over the past year.
The trio, of which Tortorella is an unofficial fourth member, said all the right things through Day 1. It will take more than words to revive the Flyers, though.
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