Riley Cote, who played just 15 games for the Philadelphia Flyers last season, has announced his retirement to become an assistant coach with the club's AHL affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms.
Cote, 28, played 156 games over four NHL seasons with the Flyers, totaling 7 points and 411 penalty minutes. He was scoreless with 24 penalty minutes in 2009-10 and was a healthy scratch for all but three games after Dec. 21. He also did not dress during the playoffs.
"I am really excited about this coaching opportunity," Cote said in a statement. "I love Philly and the Flyers. I was so proud to be a Flyer and tried to best represent that every time I pulled the orange and black jersey over my head. Now it's time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter in my life. I will do the best job I can do to help teach and develop all the players in Glens Falls on and off the ice. I'm looking forward to a new challenge in life."
An undrafted free agent, Cote signed with the Flyers in 2004 and played with the club's minor league team when it was known as the Philadelphia Phantoms. Playing with current Flyers Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, Cote had 11 points and 280 penalty minutes to help the team win a Calder Cup championship.
He joins a staff in Adirondack headed by Greg Gilbert and assistant coach Kjell Samuelsson.
"We are pleased to add Riley to our coaching staff in (Adirondack)," Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren said. "Riley's dedication, perseverance and passion for the game of hockey are beyond reproach. We believe he will be a good young coach, and his knowledge and experience will be very beneficial in the development of our young prospects."