New Flyers Head Coach Dave Hakstol: 'This Was Such A Special Opportunity'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- From North Dakota to Philadelphia, new Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol is ready for the challenge.
After the Flyers introduced their new coach on Monday afternoon, Hakstol joined Michael Barkann and Ike Reese on the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show to talk about the opportunity, first admitting leaving college was difficult.
"It's a hard decision to make on leaving the place where, in a lot of respects I grew up," Hakstol told the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show of his former team at the University of North Dakota. "It's a place that I love and it's place that I will always be invested."
Listen: Dave Hakstol on the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show
Hakstol, 46, spent 11 seasons as University of North Dakota's head hockey coach. The Alberta, Canada native led North Dakota to seven Frozen Four appearances during his tenure in which he went 289-143-43 (.654).
Ultimately, Hakstol couldn't resist the chance to join one of the NHL's most storied franchises.
"This is the right opportunity," Hakstol said on Monday. "This was the right time, but more importantly this was such a special opportunity with the Flyers opportunity that made it the right time to make the step from North Dakota.
"I'm excited to coach the Philadelphia Flyers," he continued. "I know the history and the tradition of this city. We were here just over a year ago for the Frozen Four. My wife and kids were here at the time, and they loved their time here. So, it's an exciting time for our family."