John Tortorella has been an NHL coach for more than 20 years, and during that time he has written many quotable lines.
The Philadelphia Flyers bench boss’ latest remarks came Wednesday afternoon, two games shy of his 1,500th game on the NHL bench. When asked about Tortorella approaching an impressive milestone, the former Canucks coach was quick to dismiss it.
“I don’t even think about that,” Tortorella told reporters in Vancouver on Wednesday. “I’m grateful that people trusted me and let me work with athletes. It’s my life. I’m grateful that people trusted me a little bit to work with them. I am grateful for that.”
In fact, the Stanley Cup-winning coach, who has also spent time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers as well as Philadelphia and Vancouver, is more concerned about the sense of fulfillment he gets than the numbers themselves. There was no way I would. From his work.
“I’m not concerned about numbers,” the 65-year-old added. “I just love coaching. I love being with the players and I’m really grateful and humbled by the opportunity I’ve been given.”
on the other hand, Tortorella Media Scrum Video That quote ended abruptly, but Kevin Kurtz of The Athletic published a detailed transcript of the Boston native’s post-practice comments.
Kurz said Tortorella was also asked what he liked about coaching, even after all these years.
“What to teach. Controversy, conflict. Good things. How to win, how to lose, how to do it. [figure it out],” he said. “Everything else about the game I can’t stand.”
Tortorella, who is known for his bizarre and heated interactions with members of the media, also admitted that he doesn’t like being asked the usual questions that come with his profession.
“I like being in the locker room,” he explained. “I can’t stand being here with you guys. I’d rather be there right now. So, can we end this?”
John Tortorella on reaching his 1,500th game as a coach on Friday and what he likes about the job.
The ending here is classic. pic.twitter.com/4erFSQCiEq
— Kevin Kurtz (@KKurzNHL) December 27, 2023
The Flyers have outperformed many people’s expectations so far, with an 18-11-4 record this season under Tortorella. They play the Canucks tonight at 7pm PT.
When Philadelphia visits the Seattle Kraken on Friday, Tortorella will become the eighth manager overall and the first American-born manager to reach 1,500 games.
This game is a milestone for the veteran coach, but the only number he focuses on is the score.
- You’ll probably also like:
- ‘It’s not impossible’: Sedins could leave Canucks within years
- Former Oilers goaltender Khabibulin returns to professional hockey at age 50
