The Philadelphia Flyers have announced several changes to the team’s hockey operations staff ahead of the coming 2026-27 season.
Starting off with the position of Head Athletic Trainer, Alex Ambrose has been promoted into the position, filling in for Tommy Alva, who previously held the position. Ambrose joined the organization in 2023 and had served as the team’s Assistant Athletic Trainer.
Taking over for Ambrose as the Assistant Athletic Trainer is Zach Casinelli. Casinelli was most recently the Head Athletic Trainer for the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers. He was promoted to that position in 2023 from the assistant position, which he was hired for back in 2021.
Another internal promotion: Melissa Rucker is not the team’s Head Massage Therapist. Rucker was a massage therapist for the team for the past 6 seasons before being promoted to the head role. She has 16 years of experience in the field.
Among some of the other changes, Abe Edson joins the Flyers organization as the Head of Athlete Performance after spending the last two seasons as the Minnesota Wild’s Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach. Joining Edson is Chris Gratton, who will be a Performance Coach. Gratton worked under Edson in Springfield with the Thunderbirds. He also spent last season as the Phantoms’ Head Strength and Conditioning coach. Lorne Goldberg also joins Edson’s staff as a Performance Development Coach, bringing over 40 years of Pro-Hockey coaching experience.
Ryan Adkins is making the switch from the MLB to the NHL. Previously a Physical Therapist for the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers prios, Adkins joins the Flyers as the Director of Athlete Rehabilitation.
Jake Rogers is the new Equipment Manager, Dave Morrison joins the organization as an Amateur Scout, and Kevin Braeunle has been promoted to the role of Manager of Team Services.
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