Flyers postpone Rick Tocchet’s ‘Chalk Talk’ with season-ticket holders amid the team’s poor start
The Flyers were scheduled to host a session Thursday night between Rick Tocchet and some fans. A makeup date is expected to be announced by the end of the week.
The start of the season has been a disappointing one for the Flyers.
After going winless through their first nine games for the first time in franchise history, the Flyers (2-6-3) have started to perk up with consecutive wins against the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche.
On Thursday, the Flyers were scheduled to host a “Chalk Talk” with the coaching staff for season-ticket holders. But on Wednesday, a letter from team governor Dan Hilferty went out to season-ticket holders informing them that the event had been postponed. The cancellation comes during a time when Rick Tocchet’s job as head coach has been under some scrutiny from fans, and 10 days after audible “Fire Tocchet” chants rang out around Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. As an organization, our complete focus is on preparing the team for the difficult stretch of games ahead. You deserve our best, and Coach Tocchet and his staff are focused on just that,” the letter read.
While Hilferty credited fans with fueling the recent wins — saying the fan base is passionate and committed — he was the one who decided to postpone. After Wednesday’s game in Buffalo, the Flyers play four of their next five games at home, including a matchup with the heated rival Anaheim Ducks, on Saturday afternoon. Beginning on Nov. 5, they have a five-game, 10-day road trip that kicks off in New York against the Rangers, heads to western Canada, and ends in Columbus.
“Through thick and thin, you have cheered us on and let us know when we have fallen short. We do not take that passion or commitment for granted. We have heard your frustration. We understand it, and we share it. You deserve better,” the letter continued.
The Flyers expect to announce a new date by the end of the week. According to Flyers public relations, the rescheduled event will come before Jan. 1.
