"Craig will bring new energy to the Flyers' coaching staff," said Holmgren in making the announcement. "His knowledge of, and experience with, many of our young players will be invaluable."

"John Paddock will bring tremendous experience and leadership to the Phantoms. We are fortunate to have John working with, and helping to develop, our young prospects."

"Sometimes you just can't let opportunities go by," said Paddock. "It wasn't something that I was planning on when it happened this late in the summer. When Paul called, it was an opportunity that presented itself that I couldn't let go by. There are so many people in the organization that I've worked with, coached, and played with, that there were too many signs pointing to it being a good thing."

Paddock, 54, joins the Phantoms after compiling a 36-23-6 record as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators during the 2007-08 season. Over parts of five NHL seasons as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets (1991-92 to 1994-95) and Ottawa (2007-08), Paddock has registered a 142-161-43 record. In addition to his NHL head coaching experience, Paddock has served as a head coach in the AHL for five different teams (Maine Mariners - 1981-82, 1983-84 and 1984-85, Hershey Bears - 1985-86 through 1988-89, Binghamton Rangers - 1990-91, Hartford Wolf Pack - 1999-2000 through 2001-02 and Binghamton Senators - 2002-03 through 2004-05) over 14 seasons. He has led the Flyers' AHL affiliate to two Calder Cup Championships (with Maine in 1984 and Hershey in 1988). He is the only coach to lead three different franchises to Calder Cup Championships (Maine in 1984, Hershey in 1988 and Hartford in 2000). He won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the outstanding head coach in the AHL, while with Hershey, for the 1987-88 season. His 542-392-93 career record ranks third all-time in AHL coaching victories.

In addition to his head coaching experience, Paddock also served as assistant general manager of the Flyers during the 1989-90 season and of the Jets for two seasons (1995-96 and 1996-97) and as a scout for the New York Rangers for two seasons (1997-98 and 1998-99).

He appeared in 87 career NHL regular season games over the parts of five seasons with the Washington Capitals (1975-76), Flyers (1976-77, 1979-80 and 1982-83) and Quebec Nordiques (1980-81), recording eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points and 86 penalty minutes. He registered five goals and eight assists for 13 points and 49 penalty minutes in 47 games for the Flyers. As a player, he was a member of two Calder Cup Champions, with Maine in 1978 and 1979. He was originally drafted by Washington in the third round (37th overall) of the 1974 NHL Entry Draft.

Joining Paddock on the Phantoms' coaching staff are Associate Coach Kjell Samuelsson, who will return for his ninth season, and Neil Little, who will be back for his second season as the team's goaltending coach.