Ilya Bryzgalov’s tumultuous time in Philadelphia is over, but surprisingly the quirky Russian netminder had some positive parting words for the Flyers one day after general manager Paul Holmgren announced the team intends to buy out the remainder of his contract.
Despite an often rocky relationship with the team and media, Bryzgalov released a statement Wednesday thanking teammates, management and fans for his time with the franchise.
“As my family and I move forward to meet the new challenges ahead, I could not leave Philadelphia without publicly thanking Mr. Snider for the faith he showed in me when he committed to the long term contract that has secured my family’s financial future and acknowledging his passion for the game of hockey,” Bryzgalov stated.
“I am grateful for teammates, to management and fans for the support I felt from so many of them through some very dark days and difficult situations.”
In 2010, the 33-year-old signed a nine-year, $51-million contract that Holmgren described Tuesday as “a costly mistake.”
And it just wouldn’t be a Bryzgalov statement without at least one oddball – even wise — remark.
“I have always said that a heavy sword makes a very strong arm,” Bryzgalov said in reference to this experience making him stronger.
Here is the complete statement that Bryzgalov released:
“As my family and I move forward to meet the new challenges ahead, I could not leave Philadelphia without publicly thanking Mr. Snider for the faith he showed in me when he committed to the long term contract that has secured my family’s financial future and acknowledging his passion for the game of hockey. Jeniya and I really appreciate his faith in me and what he has done for our family. Mr. Snider has an amazing energy for the deals he does and for winning. Hockey fans in this area should consider themselves lucky to have the team they cheer for led by a man who is as passionate about winning and doing whatever it takes to win as Flyers’ fans are. Getting to know Mr. Snider, has been a great experience. To see his passion for this game has been inspiring.
“I am grateful for teammates, to management and fans for the support I felt from so many of them through some very dark days and difficult situations. I have made many friends here — on the team, in the organization, among the media and throughout the community. Don’t ever think that I didn’t appreciate the kind comments of support made in the media by teammates and management and in private by so many very nice people I met on the streets of Philadelphia and in the surrounding area.
“I appreciate this experience more than many of you will know. I will learn from it. I have always said that a heavy sword makes a very strong arm. I intend to take this experience with me to my new team, to help me be stronger — a better player and, hopefully, a better person. At the end of the day, that is the challenge we all need to wrestle with.
“I look forward to the bright future ahead, but will never forget my time with the Philadelphia Flyers. For this time and this experience, I am grateful.”
