After answering a multitude of media questions during his introductory press conference on Monday, Pronger had the room laughing, as he cracked jokes and oozed confidence, saying all the right things in the process.
“I’m very excited,” said Pronger, when asked what he felt about Philadelphia hockey. “The style that they play fits the way that I play. I felt it was a good fit and accept it with open arms.”
When asked about the Pittsburgh Penguins, particularly Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Pronger made comments that instantly won the hearts of the Philly faithful.
“You have to make sure you take away their time and space,” he said. “You have to make sure they pay a price when you get a chance.”
Known for his front of the net tenacity and dirty play, Pronger knows what his role is and he doesn’t take it lightly.
“I want to be a force back on the blue line,” said the 6’6 rear guard. “I want to make sure that teams understand whose net it is.”
Because of his mean streak and huge appetite for wins, General Manager Paul Holmgren knew that Pronger is the perfect fit for Philly.
“He’s a guy we coveted for a number of years,” Holmgren said. “I’m extremely excited and happy to have him as a part of our organization. Ours fans will love him and the city of Philadelphia will love him.
“We made ourselves a harder team to play against with the additions of Chris and Ian (Laperriere).”
After the press conference, Pronger opened up a bit more on local sports talk station 610 WIP. When asked what he will do when Crosby camps out in front of the Flyers’ net, Pronger chuckled and stated that that “Won’t Happen.” When asked about his reputation as the dirtiest player in the league, he simply responded with “I guess I will have to live up to that.”
Phila.Bright 