John Tortorella lights up rookie defender for the dumbest reason ever

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Sam Hutch
January 8, 2023 (2:17 PM)

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The Philadelphia Flyers thought bringing in a fresh face behind the bench this season would be a good thing and most times, it is. They made a mistake in trusting John Tortorella to do the job though. Not only is he not producing a winning product on the ice, I'm now convinced he hates his players.

According to deputy managing editor at NHL.com Adam Kimelman, John Tortorella had this to say about Noah Cates taking part in every morning skate.

"It pisses me off that he's out on the ice. I'm gonna outlaw those skates because now it's routine for those guys and it's just so wrong.

I'm sorry, but what is the issue with one of your players who most likely isn't in the lineup every day wanting to stay fresh for when he gets his next opportunity? To me, with the way Tortorella acts towards his players it's astounding that they want to play in the Flyers organization.

Here's how Cates responded while saying it was part of his routine but in order to stay ready for the rest of the season he might take the option to not skate:

Kind of like to say the hockey Gods will reward you if put in the work and you go out there

I've said this before and I'll say it again, the game has passed John Tortorella by. If you don't respect your players and the work they choose to put in every day even when they don't have to, at a certain point, they will not play for you.

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