News is emerging about the reasons behind John Tortorella`s dismissal as Philadelphia Flyers head coach, which happened yesterday.
A report by Kevin Kurz of *The Athletic* on Friday suggests that a dispute between Tortorella and Flyers defenseman Cam York played a role in the coach`s dismissal.
York was benched by Tortorella for the majority of Tuesday`s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, for the last 50 minutes.
Kurz indicates that a verbal argument, not physical, occurred between York and Tortorella after the game, and it`s believed `both went too far`.
Tortorella was fired on Thursday. York was also listed as `scratch` for Thursday`s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Although York dressed, he remained on the bench for the entire game due to the Flyers lacking available healthy players.
On Friday, York was questioned about being benched on Thursday but chose not to disclose specifics.
York stated, “I won’t go into the specifics. However, I take full responsibility for my part. It has been handled within the team. I`m moving past it. With eight games remaining, that`s my focus. That`s all I`ll say.”
When asked about his relationship with his former coach, York praised Tortorella.
York told reporters, “I have nothing negative to say. He taught me valuable lessons and was a good coach for me. I will apply what he taught me throughout my career. He’s a good coach, and I wish him well in the future.”
Kurz reports that this argument, along with Tortorella`s remarks following Tuesday`s 7-2 defeat to the Maple Leafs, influenced the Flyers` decision to part ways with the experienced coach.
