Coach Brad Ralph, hired in June, said the decision to build a roster without former captain Marty Flichel wasn’t one he took lightly.

“I certainly took my time,” Ralph said. “But it was based on a hockey decision. He’s had a great career, and I hope he continues to play.”

Ralph, 31, is the youngest coach in franchise history. Flichel was a finalist for the coaching vacancy, and Ralph said Flichel declined an opportunity to be an assistant coach.

“It has nothing to do with putting my stamp on the team,” Ralph said. “We need younger players who have a little more speed.”

Ralph noted the average age of ECHL players is 24. Flichel is 36.

“I just feel like we will go with a younger, faster team,” Ralph said. “It’s just time for us to build this team and get back to winning.”

Flichel, who first joined the team in 2002, owns a home in Boise and runs a landscaping company. He declined comment Tuesday.