The Philadelphia Flyers have turned to former Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, an East Fallowfield resident, for inspiration, writes Sam Carchidi for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

At the request of captain Claude Giroux, Vermeil spoke to the team after a recent practice at the Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J.

“He came in, and it wasn’t hard for him to grab our attention,” said winger Matt Read. “Just the way he talked, his tone of voice, he caught everyone right off the bat. He had some good stories, and it was good motivation for everyone.”

Vermeil discussed his days as coach for the Eagles, St. Louis Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as his time at UCLA. He also talked about UCLA basketball coaching legend John Wooden, and the things he learned from him.

Vermeil “was unbelievable. When he speaks, you listen,” said winger Travis Konecny. “Everything he talked about involved everybody from head to toe in our organization.”

The talk seemed to work, as the Flyers went on to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks in their ensuing game.

Read more about Dick Vermeil’s inspirational talk in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.