Links - Stevens says he understands why Flyers let him go - North River Minor Hockey Association

Stevens says he understands why Flyers let him go LOGINREGISTERHELPYOU ARE NOT LOGGED IN NHLNBAMLBCFLNFLCurlingTennisGolfSoccerNASCARFormula OneIndyCar NASCAR Canadian Tire SeriesNationwideCamping WorldAuto RacingWorld JuniorsSpengler CupMenS WHCWomenS WHCHockey CanadaAHLBoxingCanada GamesCHLCISECHLFigure SkatingLacrosseMMANCAASkiingSummer SportsWinter SportsMoreOlympicsFantasyDaily LineShowsTSN TalentCommunityMainScoresScheduleStandingsStatisticsAnaheimCalgaryChicagoColoradoColumbusDallasDetroitEdmontonLos AngelesMinnesotaNashvillePhoenixSan JoseSt LouisVancouverAtlantaBostonBuffaloCarolinaFloridaMontrealNew JerseyNY IslandersNY RangersOttawaPhiladelphiaPittsburghTampa BayTorontoWashingtonTeamsPlayersInjuriesTransactionsDaily LineNHL on TSNTradeCentreDraftCentreeotText SizePHILADELPHIA Recently fired Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Stevens had only positive things to say about his former team Monday when he spoke publicly for the first time since he was fired last weekStevens was let go by general manager Paul Holmgren and replaced by Peter Laviolette The Flyers had lost six of their last seven games the last two by shutout when Holmgren decided a change was needed Holmgren indicated he will offer Stevens another position in the organization but Stevens said he would like to keep his options openYour emotions are disappointment its more about letting people down Stevens said during a conference call You go through a process like this the team not meeting expectations you feel responsible I feel extremely lucky to be part of this organization for so many years (drafted by the Flyers in 1984) to have worked for an organization totally committed to winningStevens took the Flyers from the worst record in 200607 to the Eastern Conference finals in 200708 If he has any regret its that he wasnt able to get the Flyers to the final stepObviously my goal and dream was to win the Stanley Cup and that didnt happen he said I think it will be important for me to pull back and review what went on hereStevens is known for keeping his emotions on an even keel behind the bench He finished his tenure in Philadelphia with a record of 12010934Im going to miss it here Stevens said My family (sons John and Nolan) has grown up here the passion of the Philadelphia sports fans is unbelievable The atmosphere at home games is something I will missHolmgren said the decision to fire Stevens was among the most difficult hes made in his career Stevens reiterated that he understood why the change was madeI think hes doing what he feels in his heart he has to do to win Stevens said Peter Laviolette is a good man a good coach I respect Pauls decision and Im moving on I have nothing but fondness and respect for HolmgrenStevens declined to comment on the teams performance leading up to his dismissal As for the future he said he would love to coach again...