Playing for the western side of the Battle of Pennsylvania showed Noel Acciari how exciting it might be to play for the eastern contingent someday.
Now the possibility has become reality.
Acciari was a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins when they faced off against the Flyers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs back in April.
The loud fans, the city of Philadelphia’s intensity and the crazy atmosphere inside Comcast Mobile Arena all left positive impressions on Acciari.
When it came time for the 34-year-old center to sign a free-agent contract on July 1, he didn’t even have to leave the state.
He agreed to a two-year, $5.6-million deal and figures to connect nicely on a young team looking for a good veteran leader.
During a media Zoom call on Tuesday, the Rhode Island native talked about his potential role on an up-and-coming team.
“Choosing Philly was an easy decision,” he said. “Seeing how their momentum was after the (Olympic) break, for a young team to be able to do what they did was pretty special, to watch and play against.
“Just wanted to be a part of that. Saw how close they were, heard great things about the locker room. For me, trying to fit in there – maybe the penalty kill, win some big draws, just that physical aspect.”
Last season Acciari, who goes 5-foot-11, 204 pounds, posted a career-best plus-14 and added 13 goals, the second-highest total of his 585-game career, which has included stops in Boston, Florida, St. Louis, Toronto and Pittsburgh.
“I want to help out the team in any way possible,” he explained. “Whether it’s blocking a shot, throw a big hit. All the little things that helped me throughout my career. I’d love to bring that to Philly.”
It’s safe to say general manager Daniel Briere saw a good style sit here. Plus, with the departure of veterans such as Garnet Hathaway, Luke Glendening and Rodrigo Abols, it won’t hurt to have another experienced hand on the roster.
Especially one who plays with grit.
“I think it (playing style) meshes really well,” Acciari said. “Gotten a lot of texts, calls, friends, family. . .just people saying you fit the Flyer mold. Whether it’s a check, blocking shots, you don’t want guys (to want) to play against you.
“They want to change when you get on the ice. I want to make it tough on everyone we play.”
Acciari was on the Bruins’ 2019 team which made it to the Stanley Cup Final so he knows what it’s like to enjoy a measure of success. You can’t have too many of those types of players.
“I’ve had some really good experience with some really good leaders,” he said. “Back in Boston I played with Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron and in Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby. Guys who know what it takes to win. What needs to be done day-in, day-out.
“If I can speak up when things are down, making sure we don’t get too down on ourselves. In a long season, there were going to be ups and downs. You have to kind of weather the storm. We have to make sure we can weather that.”
During the Flyers’ six-game elimination of the Penguins in the playoffs, the Flyers impressed Acciari with their attention to detail.
“They made it difficult for us in Pittsburgh to get anything going,” he said. “They didn’t give us much. That’s a testament to them, just being stingy. The amount of blocked shots, you couldn’t get many shots to the net. When they did get to the net, it wasn’t a great look. You could tell how much fun they were having, the excitement.
“Now being a part of it, I’m excited to build off of that. I think we can go even further.”
Acciari already has some friendships with players on the Flyers, including Owen Tippett from their days together on Florida, as well as goaltender Dan Vladar.
On the flip side, Acciari had a bit of a tussle with the Flyers’ Trevor Zegras, although he says that’s “water under the bridge.”
“I have not talked to Trevor yet,” Acciari said with a smile. “That will come soon enough. We’ll have a good laugh at it now. He does what he needs to do on the ice to get under guys’ skin. He does a good job, he’s effective at it.
“I’ve talked to a couple guys. Played with Owen Tippett a bit. I’m excited to be with them again. I’m ready to get going and I’m excited for September.”
Be the first to comment