Cam York tells his side of the story in benching saga out of Philly

The Philadelphia Flyers came out with the 6-4 over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, but exposed a significant issue in the dressing room. Earlier that day, the team had dismissed head coach John Tortorella, replacing him with Brad Shaw on an interim basis. Some fans thought the move would benefit defenseman Cam York, who had only played 3:50 of Tuesday’s humiliating 7-2 at the hands of the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

However last night, York had zero shifts and zero TOI despite being dressed for the game. In the postgame presser, Shaw was asked in the postgame presser why York remained on the bench for the entire game, the new head coach Shaw explained that the young blue liner did not play for disciplinary issue, Shaw wouldn’t go any further on what happened. Plan is for York to get back in Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.

It was also reported that “something happened between Cam York and John Tortorella in Toronto, that contributed to the coach’s dismissal on Thursday morning. Was put to me that “they probably both crossed the line.”

On Friday, York was asked to comment on the situation, and according to insider Siobhan Nolan of the Hockey News, he did so with “no defensiveness in his voice, no frustration—just a quiet, professional resolve.” The 24-year-old defenseman could have avoided questions, but was steady and direct in his answers. Neither Shaw nor York provided more details on what happened with Tortorella, but the blue liner did take responsibility without hesitation.

“I’m not gonna get into the details,” York commented “for my actions. It’s been addressed in the locker room. We’ve got eight games left here, and that’s my focus right now.”

He also acknowledged how he’s received the support of his teammates.

“The support has been great. Our locker room has always been great. They’re huge in a situation like this.”

He added: “I’ve been here a pretty good amount of time, so I feel like I’m well-respected in the room. Guys listen to what I say. Just because I’m a younger guy doesn’t mean I can’t have a voice. It’s important, but everyone in this room is a leader and leads in different ways, and that’s what makes it a special room.”

Despite the rumours of an altercation in which “ both crossed the line”, York wanted to speak on what he learned from Torts.

“He taught me a lot of really good things,” York said. “I’m gonna use a lot of things he taught me down the road in my career. He’s a really good coach, and I wish him the best of luck down the road.”

York is playing for a contract next season, as he becomes a restricted free agent this summer. He did point out how he would love to stay in Philadelphia.

“This is where I want to be,” he said of the impending contract talks in the summer. “I love what’s going on here, and I love what we’re building. It hasn’t been our best year, but this is where I want to be for the future.”

It sure sounds like York has learned from his mistakes. He is expected to be in the lineup, and play, on Saturday against Buffalo.