Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Flyers announced several additions to their hockey operations staff, including their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, in preparation for the 2024-25 season, according to General Manager Daniel Brière.

Wayne Simmonds has been appointed as Community Relations Ambassador and Hockey Operations Consultant. Simmonds returns to the Flyers' staff after an eight-season playing career with Philadelphia (2011-19). During his tenure with the team, he accumulated 378 points (203 goals and 175 assists), including 91 power-play goals and 34 game-winning goals. Simmonds was known for his community involvement, founding "Wayne’s Warriors" for military members and hosting "Wayne’s Road Hockey Warriors" for underprivileged children.

Reid Simpson joins as Director of Pro Scouting, Europe. Simpson previously spent eight seasons with the Montreal Canadiens' scouting team. A former professional ice hockey left winger, Simpson played in 301 NHL games over 12 seasons and was drafted by the Flyers in the fourth round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

Kedryn Orrison-Pilgrim is named Head Athletic Trainer for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Orrison-Pilgrim previously served three seasons with the Rochester Americans of the AHL. She holds multiple degrees in athletic training and psychology from North Central College and Moravian University.

Lindsay Eastwood joins as Manager of Player & Hockey Communications. Eastwood comes from the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League where she managed communications and team services. She also played three seasons of professional hockey in the Premier Hockey Federation with Toronto Six.

Ryan Cyr is appointed Goaltending Scout & Development Consultant. Cyr has held various coaching roles with junior teams, including seven years with Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.

Oleg Znarok becomes European Player Development & Scouting Consultant. Znarok joins from AK Barz Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) where he had a successful coaching career leading clubs to multiple Gagarin Cup Championships.

Ellyse Robert is added as a Hockey Analyst. Robert comes from Los Angeles Kings organization where she worked as a Data Analyst intern. She holds degrees in applied and computational mathematics and applied data science from USC's Viterbi School of Engineering.