With training camp on the horizon, the Flyers extended Stevens' contract by two years yesterday. He is now signed through the 2010-11 season. Financial terms were not disclosed, as is team policy.

Stevens, 42, took over from Ken Hitchcock in October 2006, when Hitchcock was fired after a 1-6-1 start. The Flyers finished that season with the worst record in the NHL.

"But we knew it was just a matter of time before we got it done," Stevens said. "I love being part of this organization and the direction that the team is heading."

The Flyers were 42-29-11 last season - a 20-victory improvement from 2006-07 - and went to the Eastern Conference finals before losing to Pittsburgh.

Stevens has a career record of 63-71-22.

"John is very deserving of this new contract," general manager Paul Holmgren said. "He is a very energetic coach who brings a lot of enthusiasm and passion to the game, and we look forward to working together over the next few years."

Stevens coached the Phantoms for six seasons, winning the Calder Cup in 2005. His career AHL record was 230-181-33-25. He was 29-19 in AHL playoff games.

Noteworthy. The Phantoms' new coach, John Paddock, a former Flyers defenseman, will make his debut on Sept. 22 when the team takes on Lowell in an exhibition game at 1:30 p.m. at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J.

The Phantoms will host Norfolk at 6:05 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Northeast Philadelphia.

The Phantoms will begin their final season at the Wachovia Spectrum on Oct. 10, against Bridgeport.