Flyers promote Ron Hextall to general manager

By ROB MAADDI AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Ron Hextall got his "dream job."

Hextall was promoted to general manager by the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday to replace Paul Holmgren, who was elevated to president. Hextall is Philadelphia's all-time winningest goalie and served as assistant GM last year.

"When I was done playing 15 years ago, my next goal was to become a general manager," Hextall said. "I've been very fortunate to work under Bobby Clarke, Paul Holmgren, and Dean Lombardi out in Los Angeles - three very good people but also three very astute people who I took a lot of lessons from the last 15 years.

Holmgren replaced Clarke as GM during the 2006-07 season and led the Flyers to within two games of the Stanley Cup title in 2010. He played for the Flyers from 1975-84 and coached them from 1988-92.

"I'm excited about what's ahead for me," Holmgren said.

The Flyers were eliminated by the New York Rangers in seven games in the first round of the playoffs. They haven't won a Cup since 1975, but have reached the Finals and lost six times.

Despite heavy criticism in Philadelphia for failing to win it all, the Flyers have long been considered one of the top NHL franchises. They've earned a playoff berth in 39 of their 46 seasons.

"The culture of winning is nothing to be embarrassed about," said Hextall, adding the Flyers are a "model" organization. "We should all be proud of this organization and what they've done. Short of winning the Stanley Cup, this organization has done everything. There's nothing anyone here won't do to win a Stanley Cup."

Hextall previously spent seven seasons as vice president and assistant GM with the Los Angeles Kings. The 50-year-old Hextall played 13 seasons in the NHL and had two stints covering 11 years with the Flyers.

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Flyers promote Ron Hextall to general manager