During his 9 seasons in the NHL, Keith Jones carved out a reputation as someone with a keen ability to get under his opponents’ skin, and it’s a quality that can help him in his newest role, writes Michael Bradley for Philadelphia Magazine.

This past May, Jones was named the new President of Hockey Operations for the Philadelphia Flyers. 

It’s a role that Steve Coates, Jones’ longtime broadcast partner, thought would be a good fit for him.

“He checks every box,” Coates said of Jones. 

Initially disinterested himself, Jones started to warm up to the distinct idea. 

His hiring wasn’t without criticism, however; given his lack of executive, scouting or coaching experience. 

Nonetheless, his decades in the sport has prepared him with a strong knowledge of the game.

Jones wants fans to feel like the franchise’s partners, and winning is the key ingredient in doing so. 

“It’s about fixing the team first and foremost but doing the other things along the way to make sure we keep fans interested and also continue to communicate to them in an honest way what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Jones.

He understands that success is a process, and is up for the challenge of turning the franchise around and toward that success.

Learn more about the Flyers’ new era at Philadelphia Magazine.

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Keith Jones was named to the team’s front office in May.