The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that left wing Riley Cote has retired as a player to become assistant coach of the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms, according to club general manager Paul Holmgren.
Cote will join head coach Greg Gilbert and associate coach Kjell Samuelsson on the Adirondack coaching staff.
“We are pleased to add Riley to our coaching staff in Glens Falls,” Holmgren said. “Riley’s dedication, perseverance and passion for the game of hockey are beyond reproach. We believe he will be a good young coach, and his knowledge and experience will be very beneficial in the development of our young prospects.”
“We are thrilled that Riley is staying with us in this new capacity,” said Peter Luukko, President/COO of Comcast-Spectacor. “Riley worked as hard as he could until he achieved his dream of playing in the National Hockey League. As a coach, we’re confident he’ll pass along that work ethic, drive and determination to our prospects and help them become the best players they can be.”
“I am really excited about this coaching opportunity,” Cote said. “I love Philly and the Flyers. I was so proud to be a Flyer and tried to best represent that every time I pulled the Orange and Black jersey over my head. Now it’s time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter in my life. I will do the best job I can do to help teach and develop all the players in Glens Falls on and off the ice. I’m looking forward to a new challenge in life.”
Cote, 28, has spent the last six years with the Flyers organization. He appeared in 156 games for the Flyers over four seasons from 2006-07 through 2009-10, posting a total of 411 penalty minutes while collecting a goal and six assists for seven points.
A native of Winnipeg, Man., Cote signed an AHL contract with the Phantoms as a free agent prior to the 2004-05 season and helped the club to its second Calder Cup championship. He then signed an NHL contract with the Flyers prior to the 2005-06 season and spent most of the next two years with the Phantoms until making his NHL debut against the New York Islanders on Mar. 24, 2007. Cote earned a full-time spot with the Flyers when he made the team’s roster out of training camp prior to the 2007-08 season.
