As reported a few weeks ago, the Philadelphia Flyers have hired Rocky Thompson as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. He joins the staff led by head coach John Tortorella and associate coach Brad Shaw. Tortorella released a statement on the hire:
"Rocky is an important addition to our staff and we are excited to start working with him. He has a sharp mind and eye for the game but from the first time we sat down to speak it was clear that he brings enthusiasm and a high-level of energy needed for this job. His communication skills are going to be vital to our locker room."
Thompson served as an associate coach for the San Jose Sharks in 2020-21 but parted ways for last season after explaining that a medical exemption kept him from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. It would seem as though that will no longer pose an issue, as the Flyers welcome him aboard to help coach the forwards and power play.
While Thompson doesn’t have a ton of NHL experience as a player or coach, his minor-league résumé is vast and impressive. He played more than 600 total games in the AHL and served as head coach of the Chicago Wolves for three seasons before joining San Jose. In 2019, he took the Wolves to the Calder Cup Final, and overall he had a 113-71-29 record behind the bench. He also coached the Windsor Spitfires for two seasons, winning the Memorial Cup in 2017 as host city after being knocked out of the OHL playoffs early. He helped the Saint John Seadogs repeat that unique feat as an advisor this year.
More must-reads: