Philadelphia Flyers newly-hired head coach Dave Hakstol, center, and team president Paul Holmgren, left, look on as team general manager Ron Hextall, right, speaks during a news conference, Monday, May 18, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Dave Hakstol saw a fair amount of orange and black jerseys when he took the ice at Scanlon Ice Rink in Kensington, Pa.
No, the new Philadelphia Flyers coach wasn't getting ready to conduct an early practice with his NHL team on Thursday afternoon, but rather take a moment to teach a bevy of kids from the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. The meeting was Hakstol's first official community appearance since becoming the 19th coach in franchise history.
"It's a huge part of why I'm here and why we're all here," the 47-year-old Hakstol told the team's website. "We're part of this community and we're trying to accomplish something in this community. Having a chance to get out here and have fun with these kids is a real treat for me."
In addition to on-ice activities, Hakstol patiently answered questions from the kids while stressing both teamwork and making academics a priority.
Hakstol has spent his last 11 seasons coaching North Dakota, helping the collegiate powerhouse reach the Frozen Four on seven occasions - including last season's semifinal appearance. He is also a two-time National Collegiate Hockey Conference coach of the year winner and an eight-time finalist for national coach of the year.
Hakstol replaced Craig Berube after the club finished 33-31-18 to end up in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.
(h/t Philadelphia Flyers)
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