Shediac — At a press conference today outside of his home, former New Brunswick premier Brian Gallant was announced as the new general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers. Gallant will replace Ron Hextall, who was fired last Monday after four and a half years in the upper office.
Philadelphia Flyers president Paul Holmgren welcomed Gallant to the Flyers organization.
“What can I say? We like good-looking guys running our organization,” Holmgren stated to a large crowd seated on lawn chairs. “We didn’t call him Sexy Hexy for nothing. Now we’ve got Flyin’ Brian!”
Gallant, a lifelong Flyers fan, said the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
“I may have lost the election, but for me this is even better. For the next four years I could be at the leg listening to Mr. Austin go on about common sense this and duality-related ambulance issues that. Instead, I’m now the GM of the Philadelphia Flyers!
“I love the Flyers; I have since I can remember. I’m glad they’re taking a chance on someone outside of the organization.”
Philadelphia currently sits in second to last place in the Metropolitan division with a record of 11 wins and 14 losses, totalling 24 points and 27th overall in the NHL standings. To say they have struggled on special teams throughout the year would be putting it mildly.
“I’ve got a 10-year plan, a plan to make the Flyers better,” Gallant explained. “Check back in 10 years — I guarantee our penalty kill and power play will be better than last place.”
This 10-year plan sounds familiar, and soon Philadelphia will be patiently waiting for those results.
Gallant beat out Chuck Fletcher, Bill Zito and Dave Nonis for the esteemed position.
When asked what he plans to do about the current coaching situation, Gallant said he intends to “fire Hakstol, and hire Ted Nolan immediately.”