Insight

Classic Post: Bernie Parent Interview - Forever A Great Philadelphia Flyer

2026-10-06T16:49:03.489-07:00

Spending a few hours with Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent was well worth the trip to his New Jersey office. Here's the online feature that originally premiered in the fall of 2010...

“Today, my philosophy has changed tremendously. Everything comes from what you think about. Whatever you are thinking, you are going to attract. When you are happy, good things will come to you, ” Bernard Marcel Parent.

A week before he participated in the Spectrum's demolition ceremonies, I had the chance to discuss hockey, business, and philosophy with Bernie Parent. In doing so, I learned about the man who was a steady rock on those Flyers' 1970s Stanley Cup teams. The former goaltender's candor and warm demeanor revealed how he has transitioned from a Hall of Fame sports career to life after the game.

“The last time I was in the Spectrum, I went down to the floor and stood where the holes for the net used to be. I was there for about 10 to15 minutes looking at the whole building. I relived the memories one last time. It was a beautiful thing,” Parent said.

Parent, who will be honored by the Flyers on December 8^th at “Bernie Parent Night”, has remained a member of the Flyers' family, serving as an ambassador for the team.

New book to be released

He is also the author of a forthcoming book, My Journey Through Fear and Risk, which was developed through his experiences, conversations, and motivational speeches that he has given since his playing career ended. The book will be available to corporations, schools, non-profits, and individuals. In it, he discusses life after hockey and how each person can develop a proper philosophy. It also contains a menu of 15 topics to select from, which facilitates parents' in-person presentations.

In addition to authoring a book, he has continued to represent several different corporations and make public relations appearances around the country and in Canada.

“When I talk with people, I tell them to find out what their purpose is. They need to find what they love to do and dedicate their lives to it. That's when you get involved in fear and risk. You may have to change everything in your life, but risk is a beautiful thing. That is when things happen. All successful people have taken risks,” Parent said.

Learning from the master

Parent's hockey career was partly inspired by Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante, whose sister lived beside his family home.

“I was a shy kid, so when Plante would come to visit his sister, I would always watch him. I can see in my mind exactly what his sister's house looked like, how he got out of his car, stood in front of the house smoking a cigar, and how he walked up the steps,” Parent fondly recalled.

“My goal as a little leaguer was to get to the National Hockey League and then to win the Stanley Cup. When I was a kid, I might have had 200 people telling me that I wasn't going to make it. They said I

wasn't big enough or strong enough. But when you have passion and are good enough, the obstacles fade away,” Parent said.

After playing in the junior leagues for the Niagara Falls Flyers, he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the mid-1960's. Later, he was selected in the 1967 NHL expansion draft by the Flyers and played in Philadelphia until he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1971. Their starting goalie at the time was none other than Jacques Plante.

“When I was traded to Toronto, I had some doubts at first. That was a low point in my career because I wasn't looking at the right side of the coin. I was thinking about the Flyers not wanting me, rather than the fact that the Leafs did want me. Plus, the person whom I admired as a child, Plante, was their goalie. I learned a great lesson from that whole experience,” Parent said.

“I was there (in Toronto) for two years. I watched Plante play from the bench. He was incredible! You don't want to copy someone, but take what they have and add it to your own style. So, one day, I said to him, 'Jacques, can you teach me?' Parent said.

In 1972, Parent took a risk and jumped to a rival league called the World Hockey Association. While playing for the Philadelphia Blazers during that 1972-73 season, he faced an average of 55 shots per game, but used that as an opportunity to apply what he had learned from Plante. When the Blazers moved to Vancouver at season's end, he decided to go back to the NHL. Toronto then traded his rights to the Flyers.

Fred Shero

Newspapers heralded his return as a move that could help the team win the Cup in 1973-74.

“The first time I met Fred Shero, he came up to me and said that he believed in teamwork, but didn't know anything about goaltending, so I was on my own. As soon as he said that, I knew I had the right coach,” Parent recalled.

“I got a standing ovation when I stepped onto the ice at the Spectrum during our first pre-season game that year. But ten minutes into the game, the Rangers had scored eight goals against me. I heard a lot of boos, and Freddy (Shero) pulled me out. That was my reintroduction to the city. But when you think you have hit your lowest moments, it doesn't mean it's over. You are just being sent in a different direction,” Parent said.

A few weeks after that Rangers game, Shero had Parent start in goal for the regular season opener against Toronto. He shut them out 2-0. As we know, the Broad Street Bullies went on to famously win their first Stanley Cup that season and have “walked together forever”, just as Shero's locker room chalkboard message had encouraged them to do.

Parent earned many awards after his return to Philadelphia, including winning both the Vezina (an award given annually to the league's best goalie) and the Conn Smythe (an award given annually to the league's best playoff performance) trophies in 1973-74 and 1974-75.

Post-hockey career

A five-time All-Star, he was the toast of the town in the 1970's, adding another Cup win in 1974-75. But after a career-ending eye injury against the Rangers in 1979, his life changed dramatically.

“After retirement, the problem is that you can't perform in front of large crowds anymore. That is the biggest adjustment that you have to make. Money is a separate adjustment,” Parent said.

He joined a self-help program that he credits with turning his life around.

“In your greatest despair, you can have your greatest victory. As long as I was the hockey player, I had a purpose. Once that stopped, that purpose was gone. I went in circles. I wasn't happy, and I hung around people who had a similar outlook. I have learned that you become what you attract. So, I like to share what I went through because I want to help people to learn through my experiences,” Parent said.

During that time period, he was also a goaltending coach and scout for the Flyers. Neil Little, drafted on Parent's recommendation, went on to win two Calder Cups for the Flyers' AHL affiliate and today is the Flyers' worldwide goalie scout.

In 1998, he was willing to let a doctor perform a new procedure on his damaged right eye. The procedure worked, restoring his vision to 20/20.

Pelle Lindbergh

Thomas Tynander and Bill Meltzer's book Behind the White Mask contains a sharply detailed description of Lindbergh's life, career, and the father-son type relationship that he had with Parent. We discussed the book and his remembrances of Lindbergh.

“Pelle was here on Earth for a brief moment that was cut a little bit short. We are spiritual people and

I believe that when someone passes away, they move on to a new place in their eternal life,” Parent reflected.

During the 1981-82 season, Lindbergh was struggling. When he was sent to the Flyers minor league team in Maine, Parent suggested that he go with him. Through his guidance, Lindbergh returned to the Flyers during that season. He went on to win the Vezina Trophy in 1984-85, which Parent presented to him at the awards ceremony.

“I opened the envelope, and his name was listed as the winner. He came up on stage and gave me a hug. It was a big moment,” Parent fondly recalled.

“I was very grateful that I was a part of his life. A paradigm was passed from Plante, the master, to me, and then I passed what I had learned on to Pelle. He had a lot of good qualities that could benefit us today,” Parent said of his former protege.

Recent pursuits

He has remained an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He values family greatly, having two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.

“It is a different phase that I'm going into now. I love children. When you watch a child, you are seeing happiness. Watch them for half an hour, and you will learn a lot,” Parent said.

A few years ago, one of Parent's sons gave him a popular DVD. He credits what he learned from it (along with its related book) as helping him to gain a deeper understanding of life.

“The Secret helped me to see that we attract good and bad things in life by how we think. When you have a positive view of life, good things happen to you. The greatest power on Earth is the power to choose. Once you understand the process, you can create anything that you want,” Parent said.

Ed Snider

“I believe that he is one of the best owners in professional sports and has built his own economy. He is wise enough to realize that he needs a team. He is involved with his company, but allows people to have confidence in themselves and lets his team perform. Back in 1967-68 (the team's first year), he was sitting at the kitchen table with his wife, trying to determine how they would meet payroll. Now, he is one of the most successful individuals in the Delaware Valley,” Parent said.

Flyers 2010-2011

“I think this team has the whole package. They have a great coach (Peter Laviolette), whom I really like. They have great forwards and great defensemen. They also have three good goalies who understand the game. It's exciting because the Flyers have their deepest team in a long time. They aren't hoping to win; they know they can win. If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the whole thing,” Parent enthusiastically said.

Packs

“I consider myself to be a wolf because I like the freedom of choice. Choice is very, very important to me. A wolf works in packs. So, everyone doesn't have to be like me, because people all have different talents,” Parent said.

He has employed the same strategy in his current pursuits that he did when he studied Plante's goaltending techniques. He studied successful business people for five years, so that he could begin to build his own business pack.

Parent concluded by saying, “Material possessions, like us, will come and go. I am grateful for what I have been able to attract. Life is a wonderful journey.”

Postscript

Growing up in the 1970's, I was naturally a Flyers fan and spent many great days playing street hockey with cousins and elementary school friends. My uncle created cool foam goalie pads that my cousin wore during our games in his garage. Every Sunday, while my Mom was making dinner, I would put my Bernie-style mask on and fend off shots from my Dad in our own basement rink.

After completing the interview, I began my journey back through the roads that I had traveled on a few hours earlier. As I did so, I could see in my memories that we all wanted to be who Bernie was back then. I also knew that I had just spoken with someone who enjoys being who he is today.

(Thank you to Dan Morroni, the owner of Morroni Custom, who first introduced me to Bernie Parent.)

Classic Feature: Baseball Card Collecting

2026-06-16T20:02:11.566-07:00

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970's. Those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion during that pre-Internet, pre-video game era.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, buying packs at local convenience stores was much more fun. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards, and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Like farmer's markets, local card shows offered another collection-building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for a Tom Seaver card, which was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing, and we had no summer trade deadlines. The duplicates of Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter, and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy was finally willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like a fine wine, all cards need to be stored appropriately. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog and my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available in larger chain stores, specialty hobby shops, and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article, which appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

Classic Post Revisited: The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging in the Rain

2026-05-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit: masslive.com)

Lenny Dykstra's every move has been easy to track during these past few years. The questions about steroids or the details of his financial rise and fall have also been voluminous. His association with Charlie Sheen and indictment for bankruptcy fraud are just the latest in a series of media flashes.

If we reflect on our scrubbed memories, we will see a smiling, gritty guy who would do anything to help but love the luster of winning. Dykstra channeled his personality traits through a baseball diamond, while the fans couldn't

1993 World Series, Game 4

The Philadelphia Phillies were trailing the Toronto Blue Jays two games to one when Game 4 got underway on a rainy night at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia.

Tommy Greene, who went 16-4 in the regular season, yielded three runs in the top of the first. Dykstra initiated the Phillies' counterattack when he worked a walk-off on Todd Stottlemyre to lead off the bottom half of the inning. He stole second base and later scored on the Blue Jays starter's fourth walk of the inning. The Phillies exited that first frame with a 4-3 lead.
After Greene singled to center field to lead off the bottom of the second inning, Dykstra stepped to the plate. 'The Dude' tattooed Stottlemyre when he hit a two-run home run to deep right field.
The Phillies' 6-3 margin wouldn't last long, as the Blue Jays regained the lead with four runs in the top of the third inning, causing Greene's departure.

Up and Down

Al Leiter took over for Stottlemyre in the third inning and was still pitching in the fourth when Dykstra hit a line-drive double to center field. Mariano Duncan followed with a single that tied the score at 7-7.

In the bottom of the fifth, Leiter yielded a two-run home run to Darren Daulton. Milt Thompson then doubled home a run and was standing on second base when Dykstra hit another two-run home run to right field that gave the Phillies a 12-7 lead.
The Phillies' bullpen later surrendered a six-spot in the top of the eighth. That offensive barrage proved to be too much to overcome, as the Blue Jays won the game 15-14 to take a 3-games-to-1 series lead.
Dykstra's three-hit, four-run, four-RBI performance was just one part of what proved to be the best season of his career.

Nailing it

Everyone has the right to question the types of decisions that 'Nails' made during his playing days, or how he has handled his subsequent loud retirement. But everyone who values a red-light player will always remember the night 'The Dude' was swinging in the rain.

(I hold all copyrights to this article, which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Host the Columbus Blue Jackets

2026-03-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Pregame

Based on one's perspective, some may understandably assert certain rights to cover professional sports events based on their full-time or part-time media status. I respect that. For me, as a freelance writer, it is a privilege to receive a credential from any sports organization.

I earned my first credential during the 2011-12 season when the Flyers hosted the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2011. They defeated 'Les Habitants' (the settlers of New France) 3-1. Claude Giroux scored two goals in that game, with Sergei Bobrovsky earning the win in net. Peter Laviolette was the Flyers' head coach, and Chris Pronger was the team captain.

Jacques Martin was the Canadiens' head coach, who, in later seasons, I would have the pleasure of eating a meal with at the stadium. He was an affable guy who spoke about many topics, including his having been the head coach of the Ottawa Senators and former Flyer, Mel Bridgman, having been the team's first General Manager in its inaugural season (1992-93).

Bridgman, the first overall pick in the 1975 draft, became the Flyers' captain after Bobby Clarke volunteered to become a playing assistant coach and led the team during its historic 35-game unbeaten streak in 1979-80. Bridgman died earlier this season, in November, at the age of 70.

The above represents the thought-memory mix I have while preparing to cover a game. Past experiences are generally about the people I met or were in the presence of. I prepare for whatever might happen today based partially on what happened during many yesterdays.

The pregame meal for stadium staff and the media is held in the lower press dining area on the event floor level. Chicken breast with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and seasoned green beans were the main dish tonight. Additionally, a full salad bar, vegetable soup, wrapped chocolate chip cookies, soft serve ice cream with toppings, and a variety of drinks were offered and accepted.

The meal's total cost matches the approximate amount of an entree a fan buys upstairs during a game. In addition, nice snack foods, including Philadelphia pretzels, hot dogs, and drinks, are available on the press level, which is part of the oval atop the Arena, throughout the game. All who are grateful for these amenities, including me, appreciate it.

Why include two paragraphs about eating before a game?

I want readers to learn about unseen elements and know that it's good business to feed employees and media members. Sitting on a soft leather, padded chair on the press level, after a satisfying meal, allows one to be ready for game action, which is what this experience also represents. Traveling to and from the game and creating this feature is work, not entertainment, with my appreciation of what full-time and part-time media members and all stadium employees do regularly in effect.

“Goodnight and good hockey,” was the signature phrase said by the late, great Gene Hart.

I mentioned to Lauren Hart, his daughter and the team's anthem singer, that I always think about her dad when I'm here on the press level. Always gracious and warm-hearted, she appreciated the remembrance of her dad, who was a 1997 National Hockey League Hall of Fame inductee. He taught the game to fans in this region of the country during the team's early years through the 1990s. His presence resonates, still.

Introductions

The Philadelphia Flyers (31-23-11, 73 points) trail their opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-11, 77 points), in the playoff race. In recent seasons, a team needs to finish in the mid-90 point range to finish either as one of the top three teams in a division or as one of the two Wild Card qualifiers in either Conference.

The Flyers enter the 7:30 PM tilt at the Xfinity Mobil Arena (the stadium's most recent corporate sponsorship title, its fifth, which was applied last August) having won two games in a row. This game includes a special “The Office” theme, honoring one of the most creative comedies in recent television history. It went off the air in 2013, reinforcing its ongoing appeal.

The two points were earned after the team arrived in Minnesota in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Travis Konecny calmly put the puck past Minnesota Wild goaltender Jasper Wallstedt in the road shootout victory. Philadelphia was playing the second game of back-to-back contests after defeating the Washington Capitals 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Columbus lost 2-1 on the road in overtime to the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Former Flyers' defenseman Ivan Provorov, acquired in June 2023, is a starter for the Blue Jackets. Egor Zamula provides depth on defense after being signed as a free agent in January. He was traded by the Flyers to the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 31, 2025.

Starting goaltenders

Dan Vladar for the Flyers

Jet Greaves for the Blue Jackets

First period

A camera, attached to two cables, follows the action and provides a higher overview shot for viewers throughout the game. It travels at approximately eye level when looking straight ahead from press level seats.

The Blue Jackets started the scoring at 4:21 into the period. Vladar, who was on his back after facing multiple shots, had no chance to stop the blast taken at close range and in between the faceoff circles by Kirill Marchenko (25^th goal). Assists by Adam Fantilli and Damon Severson.

An unusual sequence occurred when the Flyers scored their first goal. It wasn't called, and play continued because of how quickly Emil Andre's slap shot from the point and Alex Bump's (2^nd goal) tip of it went over Greaves' shoulder, touched the net's upper right corner, and came out as though the puck hit the post. Assists went to Andre and Christian Dvorak.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 Columbus - 13

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus – 1

Intermission: Clips from “The Office” played on the huge, curved video board. Beneath it, the always-pleasing Mites on Ice (children's hockey teams) played a four-on-four game with the nets set up between the faceoff circles on both ends of the ice.

Second period

The above full ice view is the reason why watching hockey, in particular, allows viewers to see all plays develop, both goalies, what's happening on both benches, and how the fans on all levels are responding.

There are periods where little action results. Neither team is able to gain sustained pressure or scoring opportunities. The first half of this period was like that, with the Flyers having only two shots on goal. The Blue Jackets had six shots so far in this half frame.

Then the action turned as Carl Grundstrom and Adam Fantilli repeatedly punched each other in the face as they circled Columbus' net. Both received seven penalty minutes. The fans were engaged, proving that fighting has a place in hockey because the players police themselves.

Fans were reminded of Vladar's 'Steady Eddie' persona as the Blue Jackets recorded their twentieth shot with approximately six minutes to go in the period. He is the year's Most Valuable Player in Philadelphia and General Manager Daniel Briere's best acquisition, in terms of yielding immediate and unexpected results.

There weren't many empty seats, as the crowd size was observed near the end of the second period. That speaks to the refreshed nature of Flyers' fandom. The team is trying to make a playoff push and definitely is in a better position for next season and the ones to follow based on the current roster, players in the system, and draft assets held.

More physical encounters occurred with 24.3 seconds to go while the Flyers were on a power play, as Damon Severson was called for double cross-checking minors in front of Columbus' net. That type of double penalty isn't often seen.

Shots: Philadelphia – 5 Columbus - 8

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus - 1

Intermission: The enormous video screen and the mega sound system were used to fill this gap between the second and third periods.

Third period

Both teams want two regulation points to be earned, based on their proximity in the standings, rather than going into overtime.

Some risks were taken, but not many. Someone will need to make an extraordinary play or get a lucky bounce to create a higher percentage goal-scoring opportunity. Neither happened, and so bonus hockey was given to the mid-March crowd at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex that continues to evolve, with plans to build a new hockey/basketball arena set in motion, potentially happening on the old Spectrum site in three-plus years and this arena being demolished. It opened in 1996.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 Columbus - 7

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus - 1

A brief intermission and then...

Overtime

No goals. So, onto the..

Shootout

Matvei Mitchkov – pad stop

Kent Johnson – shot it into Dan Vladar's chest

Trevor Zegras – shot it into Jet Greaves' glove

Adam Fantilli – Vladar pad save

Travis Konecny – Greaves' glove save

Kirill Marchenko – backhanded the puck past Vladar

The Flyers get a point but lose ground in the standings.

Three-star selections: 1. Machenko, 2. Zegras, and 3. Denver Barkey

Columbus 2 – Flyers - 1

After the horn sounded

The previously referenced overhead camera is removed approximately an hour after the game ends.

The Flyers travel west for a three-game road trip that begins the day after Saint Patrick's Day, Wednesday, March 18^th, in Anaheim. Philadelphia then goes to Los Angeles and San Jose before returning to play Columbus at home again on March 24^th.

(All photos shown in this feature are courtesy of Sean O'Brien.)

Classic Post: Bernie Parent Interview - Forever A Great Philadelphia Flyer

2026-03-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

I met Bernie Parent through Morroni Custom owner Dan Morroni. Spending a few hours with Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent was well worth the trip to his New Jersey office. Here's the online feature that originally premiered in the fall of 2010...

Parent, who will be honored by the Flyers on December 8^th at “Bernie Parent Night”, has remained a member of the Flyers' family, serving as an ambassador for the team.

New book to be released

In addition to authoring a book, he has continued to represent several different corporations and make public relations appearances around the country and in Canada.

Learning from the master

Parent's hockey career was partly inspired by Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante, whose sister lived beside his family home.

wasn't big enough or strong enough. But when you have passion and are good enough, the obstacles fade away,” Parent said.

Fred Shero

Newspapers heralded his return as a move that could help the team win the Cup in 1973-74.

Post-hockey career

A five-time All-Star, he was the toast of the town in the 1970's, adding another Cup win in 1974-75. But after a career-ending eye injury against the Rangers in 1979, his life changed dramatically.

“After retirement, the problem is that you can't perform in front of large crowds anymore. That is the biggest adjustment that you have to make. Money is a separate adjustment,” Parent said.

He joined a self-help program that he credits with turning his life around.

In 1998, he was willing to let a doctor perform a new procedure on his damaged right eye. The procedure worked, restoring his vision to 20/20.

Pelle Lindbergh

“Pelle was here on Earth for a brief moment that was cut a little bit short. We are spiritual people and

I believe that when someone passes away, they move on to a new place in their eternal life,” Parent reflected.

“I opened the envelope, and his name was listed as the winner. He came up on stage and gave me a hug. It was a big moment,” Parent fondly recalled.

Recent pursuits

He has remained an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He values family greatly, having two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.

“It is a different phase that I'm going into now. I love children. When you watch a child, you are seeing happiness. Watch them for half an hour, and you will learn a lot,” Parent said.

A few years ago, one of Parent's sons gave him a popular DVD. He credits what he learned from it (along with its related book) as helping him to gain a deeper understanding of life.

Ed Snider

Flyers 2010-2011

“I think this team has the whole package. They have a great coach (Peter Laviolette), whom I really like. They have great forwards and great defensemen. They also have three good goalies, who understand the game. It's exciting because the Flyers have their deepest team in a long time. They aren't hoping to win; they know they can win. If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the whole thing,” Parent enthusiastically said.

Packs

Parent concluded by saying, “Material possessions, like us, will come and go. I am grateful for what I have been able to attract. Life is a wonderful journey.”

Postscript

Great Childhood Memories: Baseball Card Collecting

2026-01-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970's. Those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion during that pre-Internet, pre-video game era.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

Proper Storage

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available in larger chain stores, specialty hobby shops, and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article, which appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

A Summer's Glance: An Interview With Philadelphia Flyers’ Legend Bernie Parent

2025-08-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another look at an interview I conducted with the one and only Bernard Marcel Parent...

Spending a few hours with Philadelphia Flyers' legend Bernie Parent was well worth the trip to his office in New Jersey. Here's a full replay of an online feature that originally premiered in the fall of 2010...

“Today, my philosophy has changed tremendously. Everything comes from what you think about. Whatever you are thinking, you are going to attract. When you are happy, good things will come to you, ” Bernard Marcel Parent.

A week prior to his participation in the Spectrum's demolition ceremonies, I had the chance to discuss hockey, business, and philosophy with Bernie Parent. In doing so, I learned about the man who was a steady rock on those Flyers 1970's Stanley Cup teams. The former goaltender's candor and warm demeanor revealed how he has transitioned from a Hall of Fame sports career to life after the game.

Parent, who will be honored by the Flyers on December 8^th at “Bernie Parent night”, has remained a member of the Flyers' family, serving as an ambassador for the team.

New book to be released

He also is the author of a forthcoming book, My Journey Through Fear and Risk, which was developed through his experiences, conversations, and motivational speeches that he has given since his playing career ended. The book will be available to corporations, schools, non-profits, and individuals. In it, he discusses life after hockey and how each person can develop a proper philosophy. It also contains a menu of 15 topics to select from which facilitates Parent's in-person presentations.

In addition to authoring a book, he has continued to represent a number of different corporations, and make public relations appearances around the country and in Canada.

Business requests can be made through his manager, Dean Smith, who can be contacted at: 856-988-0001 and through Parent's website.

Learning from the master

Parent's hockey career was partly inspired by Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante, whose sister lived aside of his family home.

“I was a shy kid, so when Plante would come to visit his sister I would always watch him. I can see in my mind exactly what his sister's house looked like, how he got out of his car, stood in front of the house smoking a cigar, and how he walked up the steps,” Parent fondly recalled.

“My goal as a little leaguer was to get to the National Hockey League and then to win the Stanley Cup. When I was a kid I might have had 200 people telling me that I wasn't going to make it. They said I

wasn't big enough, or strong enough. But, when you have passion and are good enough, the obstacles fade away,” Parent said.

After playing in the junior leagues for the Niagara Falls Flyers, he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the mid-1960's. Later he was selected in the 1967 NHL expansion draft by the Flyers and played in Philadelphia until he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1971. Their starting goalie at the time was none other than Jacques Plante.

“When I was traded to Toronto, I had some doubts at first. That was a low point in my career because I wasn't looking at the right side of the coin. I was thinking about the Flyers not wanting me, rather than the fact that the Leaf's did want me. Plus, the person who I admired as a child, Plante, was their goalie. I learned a great lesson from that whole experience,” Parent said.

“I was there (in Toronto) for two years. I watched Plante play from the bench. He was incredible! You don't want to copy someone, but take what they have an add it to your own style. So, one day, I said to him, 'Jacques, can you teach me?', Parent said.

Fred Shero

Newspapers heralded his return as a move that could help the team to win the Cup in 1973-74.

“The first time I met Fred Shero he came up to me and said that he believed in team work, but didn't know anything about goaltending, so I was on my own. As soon as he said that, I knew I had the right coach,” Parent recalled.

“I got a standing ovation when I stepped onto the ice at the Spectrum during our first pre-season game that year. But, ten minutes into the game, the Rangers had scored eight goals against me. I heard a lot of boos and Freddy (Shero) pulled me out. That was my reintroduction to the city. But, when you think you have hit your lowest moments, it doesn't mean it's over. You are just being sent in a different direction,” Parent said.

Post-hockey career

A five-time All-Star, he was the toast of the town in the 1970's, adding another Cup win in 1974-75. But, after a career-ending eye injury against the Rangers, in 1979, his life changed dramatically.

“After retirement, the problem is that you can't perform in front of large crowds anymore. That is the biggest adjustment that you have to make. Money is separate adjustment,” Parent said.

He joined a self-help program that he credits with turning his life around.

“In your greatest despair, you can have your greatest victory. As long as I was the hockey player, I had a purpose. Once that stopped, that purpose was gone. I went in circles. I wasn't happy and I hung around people who had a similar outlook. I have learned that you become what you attract. So, I like to share what I went through because I want to help people to learn through my experiences,” Parent said.

During that time period he also was a goaltending coach and scout for the Flyers. Neil Little, drafted on Parent's recommendation, went on to win two Calder Cups for the Flyers AHL affiliate and today is the Flyers worldwide goalie scout.

In 1998, he was willing to let a doctor perform a new procedure on his damaged right eye. The procedure worked, restoring his vision to 20/20.

Pelle Lindbergh

Thomas Tynander and Bill Meltzer's book Behind the White Mask, contains a sharply detailed description of Lindbergh's life, career, and the father-son type relationship that he had with Parent. We discussed the book and his remembrances of Lindbergh.

“Pelle was here on Earth for a brief moment that was cut a little bit short. We are spiritual people and

I believe that when someone passes away they move onto a new place in their eternal life,” Parent reflected.

During the 1981-82 season, Lindbergh was struggling. When he was sent to the Flyers minor league team in Maine, Parent suggested that he go with him. Through his guidance, Lindbergh returned to the Flyers during that season. He went on to win the Vezina trophy in 1984-85, which Parent presented to him at the awards ceremony.

“I opened the envelope and his name was listed as the winner. He came up on stage and gave me hug. It was a big moment,” Parent fondly recalled.

“I was very grateful that I was a part of his life. A paradigm was passed from Plante, the master, to me and then I passed what I had learned on to Pelle. He had a lot of good qualities that could benefit us today,” Parent said of his former protege.

Recent pursuits

He has remained an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He values family greatly, having two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.

“It is a different phase that I'm going into now. I love children. When you watch a child, you are seeing happiness. Watch them for a half of an hour and you will learn a lot,” Parent said.

A few years ago one of Parent's sons gave him a popular DVD. He credits what he learned from it (along with it's related book) as helping him to gain a deeper understanding of life.

“The Secret helped me to see that we attract good and the bad things in life by how we think. When you have a positive view of life, good things happen to you. The greatest power on Earth is the power to choose. Once you understand the process, you can create anything that you want,” Parent said.

Ed Snider

“I believe that he is one of the best owners in professional sports and has built his own economy. He is wise enough to realize that he needs a team. He is involved with his company, but allows people to have confidence in themselves and lets his team perform. Back in 1967-68 (the team's first year) he was sitting at the kitchen table with his wife, trying to determine how they would meet payroll. Now, he is one of the most successful individuals in the Delaware Valley,” Parent said.

Flyers 2010-2011

“I think this team has the whole package. They have a great coach (Peter Laviolette) who I really like. They have great forwards and great defenseman. They also have three good goalies, who understand the game. It's exciting because the Flyers have their deepest team in a long time. They aren't hoping to win, they know they can win. If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the whole thing,” Parent enthusiastically said.

Packs

“I consider myself to be a wolf, because I like the freedom of choice. Choice is very, very important to me. A wolf works in packs. So, everyone doesn't have to be like me, because people all have different talents,” Parent said.

Parent concluded by saying, “Material possessions, like us, will come and go. I am grateful for what I have been able to attract. Life is a wonderful journey.”

Postscript

Rick Tocchet - Eighth Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Who Was Also a Vancouver Canucks Head Coach

2025-05-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

Rick Tocchet is the twenty-fifth head coach in Philadelphia Flyers' history. His hire means that twenty-four percent of the organization's head coaches played for the team.

Craig Berube was the most recent former player to become head coach (2013-14 and 2014-15). The others were John Stevens, Bill Barber, Terry Murray, and Paul Holmgren. Three coaches rank in the team's top ten playoff winning percentage: Murray, second place, .609; Holmgren, sixth place, .526; and Stevens, tenth place, .478. (Tocchet led two teams to the playoffs across nine full and partial seasons as a head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Arizona Coyotes (2019-20), and Vancouver Canucks (2023-24.)

Tocchet, who turned 61 on April 9, won the 2023-24 Jack Adams Award (head coach of the year). He is the Flyers eighth head coach who has also been a head coach for Vancouver. The others were John Tortorella, Alain Vigneault, Roger Neilson, Mike Keenan, Bob McCammon, Pat Quinn, and Vic Stasiuk.

Fred Shero is the only head coach to lead Philadelphia to a Stanley Cup championship, winning in the 1973-1974 and 1974-1975 seasons. Shero has the third-highest playoff winning percentage (.578).

Re-Release - Philadelphia Flyers: Realistic New Era of Orange Begins

2025-05-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

(John Tortorella, Keith Jones, Dan Hilferty, Danny Briere, and Valerie Camillo.)

(Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers.)

(This is a re-release of a post I created two years ago this month, which is enough time to gauge what was publicly said and to determine where the organization stands now.)

The Philadelphia Flyers are determined to rebuild the roster. The organIzation also intends to reset its internal barometer and earn the trust of its fans.

The introduction of now-General Manager Danny Briere and President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones was a watershed moment in May 2023.

Dan Hilferty, Comcast Spectacor Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Governor Valerie Camillo, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Alternate Governor, and Head Coach, John Tortorella, sat on the dais on the floor of the Wells Fargo Center that opened in 1996 (then known by a different corporate sponsor's name). The Flyers were in the midst of the Eric Lindros era during the stadium's inaugural season (1996-97). A Stanley Cup Final appearance against the Detroit Red Wings followed that spring.

A quarter-century-plus has passed. Only one other Stanley Cup Final appearance happened since then (2009-2010), with the trophy awarded to Philadelphia's opponent, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hilferty was hired, in part, because of his corporate success in the region. Camillo is credited with overseeing the complete renovation of the Center, with hundreds of millions invested.

Jones was hired because of his intellect, deep hockey ties, and earned goodwill across the League. The statements made about Jones' position and the ones he made himself were particularly informative.

Briere has steadily worked his way up the ladder during a period of multiple changes in the organization.

Hilferty termed Tortorella the franchise's “spiritual leader”.

The presser projected realism, organization, and a request for patience. The specific mentions of the Flyers' glory days and respect offered for the alumni sent a message that the past will be honored, while also incorporating modern methods that are part of today's game. The future will now unfold in a direction that, like life, is unpredictable.

The following was provided courtesy of the Flyers media relations department:

Philadelphia Flyers ‘New Era of Orange’ Executive Leadership

Valerie Camillo: Good morning, everybody. Welcome to the new Wells Fargo Center. Many of us were here pretty late last night. Exciting game, I think I got out of here around 11 o'clock. Didn't get the outcome we wanted for the Sixers, but we wish them the best of luck in game seven up in Boston on Sunday, and hopefully they'll bring the Eastern Conference Finals back to the Wells Fargo Center. But today is about the Philadelphia Flyers, and it's about making this the toughest, loudest building in the NHL once again. Joining me on stage we have Coach John Tortorella, who is setting a new standard and new expectations on the ice for the Flyers, began great work doing that this past season. Two individuals I’ll introduce shortly, and Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, and Governor of the Flyers. Since joining, Dan has made a tremendous impact. He has a reputation for organizational excellence that he's bringing to this organization, and also for creating top notch teams, as we're about to introduce to you today. So please welcome Dan as he is going to share our bold vision for a New Era of Orange. Please welcome Dan Hilferty.

Dan Hilferty: Thank you, Valerie. Good morning, everyone. I am absolutely thrilled to have you all here today. This is an exciting day. We are on the cusp of a New Era of Orange. I'm excited to say more about our future in a moment. But first, I want to acknowledge our amazing, amazing past. I like to remind people what is past is prologue. I say that quote and I think of Ed and the entire Snider family. What Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education has done has transformed the lives of so many. Thank you Scott Tharp, Bill Whitmore, Cindy Stutman and Flyers Charities and many others for your tremendous commitment. I think of Brad Marsh. Brad, are you here? Where are you, Brad? Brad Marsh. This is about more than a game of hockey, and the Flyers alums exemplify that in all they do for the community. The Flyers and this community, this city, we're deeply connected. You can't say one without the other. First, I want to discuss the search process that got us here today. Special thanks to Neil Glassberg and to Billy King of Modern for your assistance along with my colleagues, Valerie Camillo and John Master. It was a great process. You see our leadership vision centers around one word – collaboration. There will be total alignment – not perfect – but there will be total alignment between hockey operations and business operations. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate, and I have a bit of a talent – the ability to assemble collaborative teams that achieve great things together. My philosophy is simple. We are stronger when we are together. Magic. Magic happens. Takes time, but magic happens when talented leaders unify toward a collective goal. For us, it's about winning, or developing a winning culture for our beloved Flyers. We're pretty lucky. We already have two outstanding leaders in Valerie Camillo and Coach Tortorella. Our search for leaders in hockey ops was about constructing the best team. We looked for individuals with complementary skills, personalities, and experiences. This was about putting the right people in place to rebuild this team and sustain a winning culture. One thing we heard from a number of candidates who asked the question, are the Flyers for sale? Let me emphatically say – no. Comcast Spectacor intends to have a long and successful run as owner the Flyers. Today, today we start a new chapter, but before we get to that, I have a message for our fans. You, fans of the Philadelphia Flyers, are the heartbeat of this team. Everything we do has to be for you. When I think of our passionate diehard fans, I think of Rick Genslinger, owner of Slinger’s Broad Street Bar in Reading – I haven't been there yet, but I'm up for a road trip – who only got to stay up late as a kid if it was to watch the Flyers with his father. The Hart family, Gene and his daughter Lauren, who devoted their lives and voices to this team. Pat Smart, a season-ticket holder for 15 years, who enjoys bringing his grandkids to Section 107 right behind you each year. Our 30 charter members who have each held season tickets for more than 50 years. Zachary Wertz, our Make A Wish kid last season whose wish wasn't to go to Disney World, it was to skate with the Philadelphia Flyers. Sean, Rasmus, Nick, you have a responsibility to these young people because they're not just watching your game, they're watching you to learn about life. So, thank you for the leadership that all of your teammates will play in making that happen. Also, to the more than 100 high school players here with us today, whose hard work led them to win their divisions of the Flyers Cup Championship. Let's give the champions a round of applause.

I also count myself among those lifelong fans. As a freshman at St. Joseph's University, I decided to skip two classes with a group of friends to drive into Center City, Broad Street, for the second parade in 1975. We all have different hometowns and histories, but we're all united in our passion for the Philadelphia Flyers. So, I share our new leadership mentality. The message to our fans is this – we need you, we want to make you proud to wear orange and black. We intend to compete at a high level year after year, we will do things the right way on and off the ice, and we promise to be transparent along the way. This will not be perfect. No human organism is perfect. It will take time, so be patient with us, but know that our goal is singular – to deliver a championship or more and to be the envy of the NHL. You'll notice that we've introduced a new theme – the New Era of Orange. Like I said earlier, what is past is prologue. The New Era of Orange is about setting a new path forward while respecting the rich history of this franchise. I want to recognize and thank many of the alumni in the room with us today. Thank you, thank you for your time, your energy and your passion. In particular, I am deeply inspired by the work of the Flyers Warriors program. This program connects with veterans and teaches them about learning and playing team hockey, while also focusing on their own, their friends, their families, behavioral and mental health. I'd like to point out two members of the Flyers family whose children are currently serving in the military, and I'm sure there are others. So, this is for each of you too. The first is Franny Shielding, who works in the executive offices here, whose son Steven is serving our country in the Navy. And the second is Coach John Tortorella, whose son serves in the US Army. What you do with the Warriors alums is so important. Let's give a round of applause to everyone who serves our military. To alumni near and far, we greatly appreciate your support and loyalty. You never gave up, and neither will we. In selecting two of your fellow alums, be assured the traditions will be honored and determination will be the hallmark of this team. I know some people are thinking “here they go again, hiring two former Flyer players isn't a fresh start”. Let me share with you that during the process, our goal was to hire the two best candidates. It just happens that they're former Flyers. We were inspired by the titans who won us championships in 1974 and ‘75. We need to channel the spirit of those early years as we build anew. Equally, we need to embrace today's modern game, one that requires speed, power, and strategy like never before. Before we make the introductions, I want to explain how this group will work together. We've been very thoughtful in how we constructed the leadership team. Keith in his new role will lead the big picture. Here's what that means. Number one, implementing the organizational vision and plan alongside the leadership team. Collaborating with Coach Tortorella and Danny Briere about the team. Collaborating with business ops and Valerie Camillo on the strategic direction and collaborating with the League when necessary. Three, connecting with business leaders, corporate partners, and other teams and fans. That will be the President, Keith’s, role. Danny as General Manager will oversee all hockey decisions. This includes signings, trades, the Draft, as well as overseeing scouting, player development, and roster construction. He will apply the data and analytics along with Coach Torts’ view of the eye test to create the best decision related to the roster and the future of the Flyers. Coach Torts is the bench boss, and he decides what happens on the ice. Make no mistake about it – John Tortorella is our spiritual leader. This is a model that has worked successfully for other organizations, and I feel certain it will work really well with these three individuals at the helm. Hockey leadership will work in lockstep with Valerie and me. Valerie oversees business strategy on and off the ice for the team and the arena. She was hugely successful in overseeing the nearly $400-million project to transform this building into the new Wells Fargo Center. I'm so proud to work alongside her. The two gentlemen about to be introduced know what playing Flyer hockey is all about. Their names are familiar to fans and around the league. I can assure you, they bring a fresh perspective and what it takes to restore a winning tradition. We are one unit, and we will be one unit with a common goal in mind to bring a Stanley Cup back to Philadelphia. Thank you very much.

Valerie Camillo: So now we'd like to introduce our new General Manager. It was clear to all of us from the start that Danny Briere was the right person for this job. He is brilliant. He is data driven. He is analytical. He's hard working. He's a great guy. I've known him for going on almost five years, and he is ready to rebuild this team into a perennial contender. He has an impressive career, incredibly impressive, both off and on the ice. He spent 17 years as a professional, six as a Flyer. A multi-time all-star and a playoff legend. When the lights are the brightest, Danny Briere is at his best. Off the ice he's a natural leader, a strategic thinker. He spent eight years in the front office in a variety of roles. Learned about the business, learned analytics, learned about hockey operations. He knows the organization inside and out. He's never stopped learning, always striving for continuous improvement, exemplified by his continuing education at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. And he's the proud husband to Misha, and if it's possible to be more impressive than Danny, you should meet Misha, who served our country proudly in the Air Force. And he’s Dad to four sons. Danny is the right person for this job at exactly the right moment. He understands today's game, he understands today's players, and he knows what it takes to build a Stanley Cup contender. It is my absolute honor to please help me welcome join us officially as the General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, Daniel Briere.

Daniel Briere: Thank you, Val. Dan, also. Thank you everyone for coming out today for this big announcement, and especially a big thank you to my family – my wife Misha, and my four boys – who have been very supportive of my path throughout my career, both as a player and over these last several years, building a career to be able to reach this point. It's pretty cool to be to be here again, not on the ice, per se, but in this building on the ice. I have so many great memories of playing some great moments in this building. But I remember when I retired, I was fortunate enough to start in the offices up here and probably with a lot of you that are here in attendance. That's when I realized – first of all I met some great, great people. I saw a whole new side of the team and just how everyone works outside of the locker room, behind the scenes to really make a team successful. Jonesy, I am so excited to have you as our President of Hockey Operations. I've always admired your mind, the way you think the game, especially the way not that you only break down all aspects of the game, but how you translate it to your audience to make it relatable to them. It's one of the many reasons why you're well known and so respected in all corners of the hockey world. I'm looking forward to working with you. With this leadership group in place, we're going to do this right and together. If there's one message that I want to send out today, especially to our most loyal fans, is that you have my full attention. It's been an incredible honor to serve the last two months as the GM of the team, and the fact of the matter is that it's only made me hungrier to turn this thing around. We are on our way already, and I consider it my highest duty to rebuild and restore this team to it’s winning ways for years to come. Thank you, and I look forward to this summer and the start of a new Flyers era. Thank you.

Valerie Camillo: So now I'd like to introduce our President of Hockey Operations. For this search, we were looking for someone who could not only succeed in the position, but also be a great complement to Danny and Torts’ unique skill sets, and no one fits that bill better than Keith Jones. Keith spent 12 years as a player, many more in the broadcast booth, and he's steeped in the game of hockey in a way that few others are or could ever be. Ask anyone around the NHL – and believe us, we did – Keith Jones is a great guy. He's a great, smart hockey mind. He's hardworking, tenacious, greatly respected. As a player he never let up. He played through injuries, he was very difficult to play against making the lives of our opponents quite miserable. And as a national broadcaster, he got to know the league inside and out. During the interview process, what shone through was his intelligence, his passion, his kindness, and his understanding of all aspects of the game, including the business side. He's collaborative, and he's focused, laser-like focused on returning this organization to glory. Keith is the kind of person we want in this organization. He treats everyone with respect and kindness, and he cares. He's passionate about the Flyers. He's also a devoted husband to Laura, and Dad to Adrian. I'm honored to introduce our new President of Hockey Operations, Keith Jones.

Keith Jones: Thank you, everyone. Very proud and very humbled to be up here as the President of Hockey Operations, very surreal. I want to thank my wife, Laura, my daughter, Adrian, for encouraging me to do this. I've been away a lot over the last 23 years. I thought I was going to spend some more time at home – that's not the case. We have a lot of work to do. I am thrilled to be able to give back to this city what it's given to me. We have an alumni that is strong, we're going to get stronger. We have people that have been around here and supported us throughout the years. We want you to know that we love you. We want our players to know that we love you. We want this to be a city that everyone wants to come to. When I arrived here in Philadelphia 25 years ago, I flew in from Colorado, a tremendous franchise. When I got the call and was informed it's the Philadelphia Flyers, I couldn't get here fast enough. When I landed here, I looked around at the city and I said, “I just can't believe I'm part of the Philadelphia Flyers”. We are going to get back to that. It's got away from us. We are off to a very good start based upon what happened last year. I'm arriving at the right time, and I'm convinced that together, collaboratively, we are going to get there. That is one of my greatest strengths. Much easier to talk about other people, and a lot more uncomfortable to have people talk about you in a nice way like all of these people have. But I am promising you that we're going to get it right together. This is not my team. This is our team. And I look forward to working with everybody, everyone that's here. The Philadelphia Flyers are coming back. Thank you.

Dan Hilferty: Keith Jones, Danny Briere – welcome home. Although you've been here, Danny, we're looking forward to an exciting time. I'd like to close with a brief quote from the great Ray Bourque, and it's in Jonesy's autobiography – Steve Coates has copies available for anybody who would like to purchase one, $65. “If there is any one lesson sports can teach children and adults, it is togetherness. To stick it out in bad times, in good times, and to face a challenge with a unified resolve.” I firmly believe as a fan of the Flyers, this team will work hard, will do it tirelessly, and collaborate around making the Flyers the envy of the NHL. Thank you very much.

Joe Siville: Okay, now we'll open up for question and answers from the media. Please remember to take one of the microphones to ask your question and hand it back to one of the employees. And please also remember to direct your question to one or more of the individuals on stage.

This is for Keith. You've had such a long, storied career as a broadcaster. Why now step out of that role to take on this sort of project?

Keith Jones: Yeah, it's a great question, Adam, thank you for that. It was not an easy decision, but this is the only team that I would have ever thought about doing something like this. I would not have interviewed anywhere else. I have only done my job on television to do my job on television. I never campaigned to get in a position to take a job like this. I just wanted to do the best job I could in relaying the message to our fans here in Philadelphia on what our team was doing on the ice. When the opportunity arose, I did think about it for about a minute – and that's stretching it, it might have been 10 seconds – the answer was yes. After a long and grueling interviewing process, it is here now and I couldn't be happier about it.

This is for Dan Hilferty. You mentioned about the distribution of roles and the importance of collaboration between the GM and the President of Hockey Operations. I'm curious in terms of the organizational hierarchy, is the President of Hockey Operations going to be above the GM? Will the President of Hockey Operations have hiring and firing responsibilities? Is that what Keith's role is going to be?

Dan Hilferty: Yes, I think in terms of the President of Hockey Operations, that person, Keith, is the leader of the team. So that would include all aspects of team building, setting a vision, as I said earlier, and also hiring or firing.

This question is for Danny. You mentioned two months you've had the job. What have you learned through that two months to kind of prepare you as we get into the Combine, the Draft, and the offseason moving forward here?

Daniel Briere: I learned a lot, obviously. Managing the front office, obviously. But you know, I have been around for a long time. I've seen different ways of doing things. I have a great team around me to help me. I think I was fortunate to have seen and been around this organization the last few years to know what areas we need to improve on, what areas we need to focus on. So that that makes me feel more comfortable in the job coming in. Certainly, very excited about it.

This question is for Dan Hilferty. Can you just take us into what the interview process was like? How many candidates were up for the position, and what led you to Keith Jones?

Dan Hilferty: Well, the process was an exhaustive one. We started thinking about it right when Danny was named interim General Manager. It was Valerie and myself. I mentioned earlier the group that was involved. The first thought was we wanted to cast a wide net. That's why we met with a number of search firms – three to be exact – and we landed on Modern and Billy King who is a well-known name here, and we also wanted to have someone who was well known, very active in the hockey community. We worked with Neil Glassberg to support us in the effort. Modern began the effort of reaching out to potential candidates. We took ideas from many sources, alums, former players, others in the hockey community, and I won't give you the exact number, but it was exhaustive, and the net was wide. We landed on a smaller group that Modern led some interviews with, and then we came to a final three that we had a day of interviews with, follow up interviews, and came to the conclusion that Keith Jones was the best candidate for the job.

This question is for Keith. You bring an interesting perspective to this role, obviously you’ve spent the last number of years in broadcasting. What kind of tools and what kind of knowledge have you gained from broadcasting that can help you succeed in this role?

Keith Jones: In that role, I was able to meet everyone. Everyone in the game – from general managers, to head coaches, to presidents – and have conversations with them, kind of continuing to learn as I went. I also had a view from upstairs for many games and watching players perform, and part of that job is to analyze and recognize what certain players do that you like, and what certain players do that might not fit into something that you would be looking to build on your team. Having that insight has been really valuable. The fact that a lot of them are my friends from even my playing days is really helpful. I’m incredibly honored with the fact that my friend group has been very successful in hockey. Craig Berube as a head coach, one of my best friends. Rick Tocchet as a head coach, Joe Sakic in Colorado, General Manager, Stanley Cup winning General Manager and player, Chris Drury, Tom Fitzgerald, Luke Richardson coaching, Rod Brind'Amour coaching. I've had an opportunity to not just play with – I'm going to forget some people along the way – but I've really been blessed that I've had an opportunity to learn from their character and they're educated, they're really smart people, and I've really been involved with them for a long time. From a league perspective, I've gotten to know the Commissioner Gary Bettman at a different level. He is a tremendously bright man, and I've learned a lot in any discussion I've ever had with him. So, I have relationships league wide, and I think some of those will come in handy in this position. I look forward to furthering those relationships as I get started.

Going off that same question, in the job description, it said you'll be in charge of leading the strategic direction of the hockey operations side as well as collaborating on the business side. In your experiences as a broadcaster, a player, or outside of that, where did you gain the qualifications for that?

Keith Jones: Teamwork. It's one of the most important things, I think, in anything that we do in life, and I always encourage kids to play sports because you learn how to be a member of a team. No matter what your role is and whatever level you're at in your life, your role may increase as you get better at what you're doing, as you become a more important person. I want to make sure that people within our organization can grow. I want you to be patient in your willingness to grow, and I think it's important that you do your job that you're being asked to do right now and then when it's time for you to advance, we're going to make sure you can advance, but I want people to love working here. I want that to translate to great messaging from leaving our building when they walk out of here. So, I think that's probably something, but the most important thing I think, is collaboratively working together, and that's something I've done in every job that I've had in my life. Whether I was playing or my post playing career in television, I'm quite confident that if you asked anyone I worked with, that's the message that you're going to get.

Collaboration being a buzzword here today, how do you see it from the business side? What can happen there for both sides to kind of work together? How do you envision that happening now going forward that maybe wasn't as easy to do previously?

Valerie Camillo: I think it's about partnership, and it's already begun. I actually was just talking to Keith yesterday, we were having some conversations on the business side with the NHL about future marquee games that the Flyers might participate in, be that outdoors or international, and he was the first call that I made to say, “how do you feel about this? Are you excited about it?” because we want to be in lockstep on everything. Our marketing campaigns are another example of that. Our marketing personality should reflect the personality of the team and how these guys feel about the vision going forward. Just in each and every thing that comes up on the business side that's relevant to what they're working on, it's going to be my first call, and Keith has told me the same on his side.

I have a follow up for Dan Hilferty. You had mentioned earlier that this is a model that has worked with other organizations, yet it's still one that's kind of unique in and of itself in the way that you described the roles that you have here. Do you look at it as something that could be a model that other people will then try to follow, as opposed to you guys trying to follow a role that other organizations have put together? Does that make sense the way I'm asking that?

Dan Hilferty: It does make sense. If it works, I hope not. I hope they don't follow it, because we don't want others to emulate what we're doing. Although that's not true. I'm thinking about the question you asked Valerie, I really believe this, we all come to any endeavor with certain gifts and talents, and others do as well, and I was thinking, as Valerie was answering, there's going to be times when the three hockey leaders – we don't belong in the room. So we have to be sensitive and understand that hockey leads hockey, and we on the business side have a responsibility to do everything in our power to support the hockey side being successful. It's about both understanding our roles, and being willing to let others lead when they have an expertise or a talent that can lead us. I know it sounds trite, maybe, but it really has worked for me in other industries. I mean, I'm just a fan though, when it comes to hockey, I'm the last person you should ask about hockey. But I do know that the most successful organizations in the world are organizations where people band together and understand each other’s skills and let each other lead when it's their turn to lead.

This question is for Dan Hilferty, as well. When you mentioned about the process, you spoke mostly of the President of Hockey Operations hiring process. Did you interview anyone else for GM, or were you pretty much settled on Danny? And if you were settled on Danny, what gives you the confidence that he is the right guy to be the full time GM?

Dan Hilferty: I can only answer from my perspective. When the transition in leadership was going on in hockey, I was simply just trying to find my way around the building. Dave Scott was really great about educating me as he and others were thinking about who's the next leader from a General Manager perspective. I got to know Danny, I can tell you from a personal point of view, watching him as a leader, as a well-organized, experienced person in the space, interim tag or not, I can tell you from the first day that we really interacted, I viewed him as the next GM of the Philadelphia Flyers. So, the process went on in my head, conversations with Valerie, just watching how he and Torts interacted, we just felt strongly there was no need for a process. We had our General Manager.

This question is for Danny. You got a front row seat to seeing one individual be both the General Manager and the President. Now having those roles split into two hires, how do you envision that being beneficial to you in your role and being able to focus on the construction of the roster?

Daniel Briere: I believe in teamwork, just like Jonesy has said. Having someone of his stature come in being involved with our team – everybody that's going to be part of it – but to add Keith there in the room, I'm ecstatic about it. I'm so excited just listening to his opinion over the years, having a chance to be around him with some alumni stuff that we've done over the years, I can't be any happier than to have them around there. So, I have no worries that it's going to work. Again, teamwork, having Torts’ point of view, his point of view. We've said it before, I don't want people around me that are just yes-men or yes-women. It's including everybody. I want different opinions. I want people to bring their own vision, and we'll come up with the right answer.

This question is for John. Historically, coaches have always had a seat at the table, but maybe not had as much of a voice. Do you almost feel like working in this collaborative environment that you're going to get a little bit more of a voice and be heard a little bit more than maybe coaches are used to being heard in this league?

John Tortorella: The way I look at this hire, which is just a fantastic hire both ways – Danny was the GM for me, interim tag or not. We have gone about our business that way from day one. Bringing on Jonesy here, the thing – and Danny just touched upon it – I think what you have here are two strong hockey minds, and personalities not being afraid to shed their opinion in discussions. I think that is going to be so productive. It may be all five of us at certain times, but sometimes we will tell Dan and Valerie “get out of here, we need to talk about this”, and everybody I think has the personality to voice their opinion, and not just agree along the way. I think that's how you solve problems. I think that's what the process is about. I'm thrilled. The time I've spent with Danny, I'm so excited to work with him because I think he's got such a great mind. This guy here has followed the league and his job for years, as he just stated – talking to coaches, GMs, understanding player systems, all that. That is so important to get his view. We're going to have some arguments along the way, and that's healthy. But to know that we're in it together, I'm thrilled. And I want to make a point. I don't want to speak out of turn, but I don't get sometimes in this process when people start talking about Flyers, alumni, Jonesy, an ex-Flyer, Danny, an ex-Flyer, what has happened? Why do people think that they're diseased? If you’re an ex-Flyer and you come from the organization that you shouldn't be in this organization, that we need to look outside? I'm not sure who said it here, but it's the person you're looking at. I'm proud that they are Flyers. I'm proud of these guys over here, and other alumni that care about this organization. That's what thrills me the most. I think we have strong personalities and I think they care, and I don't get some of the thinking out in this city. “Oh, it's an ex-Flyer again, they're doing it the same way”. God damn. It is so important to have that belief. I'm thrilled. I can't wait to get to work and already starting to do it.

John, you've been around a long time. Danny's new to his role. Keith's new to his role. Does that change anything for you when you do have that voice at the table? Where, we talk about rookies and veteran players, it's sort of a similar situation where you're the veteran with two rookies. Does it change anything for you at all as far as when you go into those meetings or have those discussions?

John Tortorella: Nope. We're going to have those discussions as men. Whatever problem or maybe good stuffs going on, we'll discuss it. It's trust. I'm really interested to hear his views. We've already started scratching the surface on a few things and what needs to be done this summer. Danny and I have had some really major conversations on that. Meetings, you strip your symbol off. You're talking as men and talking about the Philadelphia Flyers, how we improve the team. Nothing changes as far as those and I'm sure the same thing they feel about it.

This question is for Keith. I know you'll be involved with the business side a lot, but I'm sure you'll want to have your voice in the hockey side as well. How much trust do you have in Danny to call the shots, make important decisions, and will you want your voice heard too?

Keith Jones: I have the ultimate confidence that Danny Briere is the right man for this job. I have had many conversations about hockey with Danny. What impresses me the most about Danny is his mind. What I'm also impressed with is he stayed here. He selected the Philadelphia Flyers to come play for as an unrestricted free agent – could have went anywhere in the league. That tells me a lot. What tells me more is he stayed, and that's what's probably something when I look at Danny Briere that stands out to me. He wanted to be a Flyer. He put the work in, as Valerie mentioned earlier, to become eventually the Flyers General Manager. He's ready for it. I look forward to working with him, and I'm overly impressed with how well prepared he is. We're going to have a lot of discussions in the coming days. I've been away, I've been working. Danny had no idea that I was going to be the guy. So, we're going to get to some real conversations here in the next little while, and I so much look forward to getting to those conversations.

This question is for Dan Hilferty as well. Danny Briere, obviously, was interim GM, Special Assistant to the GM, but doesn't have a ton of experience in an NHL front office. Was it ever a consideration that the President of Hockey Operations needed to be someone who maybe had that hands on experience, or was that not really a consideration in your mind?

Dan Hilferty: I would say I started by talking about the three roles. For me, it was about leadership skills, and it was about getting the best people that would combine with the other two members. So, I would say I didn't give a lot of thought to having experience in that role before. Heck, I didn't have any experience in this role I've come into. Mine was more about blending the personalities. I said to Torts at one point, he didn't know who I was, but for a couple of months, I could watch him after games, during games. Same with Danny. So for me, it was about finding that person who was the third part of that triumvirate that would make the collective more successful. I would say in that regard, I never considered what the job was before, I just considered what the three together could do.

Dan, you were very clear that this rebuild will take time, and sometimes things can get worse before they get better. With that said, in a field where people can be quick to move on from a leadership structure, what are you going to be looking at to make sure they are on the right path, and how will you stay the course, how much leeway will they have?

Dan Hilferty: Well, I'm going to say this, that we all are aligned that this effort, this new era, will take time. I'm going to repeat what folks have said, we're going to do it the right way. We're going to be calculated in everything we do, and we're going to be measured about making steps forward. In terms of coaching, Coach Tortorella is going to make those decisions and develop the team. In terms of putting the team together, the two individuals we introduced today will take that leadership role. From a business perspective, Valerie. My job is just to make sure that we are all on the same page, that Valerie and I are doing what we need to do, and that those in hockey continue to work together to move it forward. It's interesting, I thought of another angle on this. We are all committed within each of our remarks to bringing our fan base along, frankly, having a really positive dialogue with those of you in the media so that you can see what we're doing, why we're doing it, and that yes, it's going to be a multi-year process. I firmly believe, optimistically so, that if we share that with the fans, if we meet them where they are, they'll come along on that journey and get to know our players better, the younger players as they develop. My barometer for success will be just making sure that we continue to work as a team, and that these three professionals working with – I believe – the best leader in sports and entertainment in Valerie, that we are truly moving in the right direction.

This question is for Danny. Any player coming into the league, you ask them what players have influenced them, they'll always give you Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl. Are there any other General Managers in the league right now that have influenced what you want to accomplish as the Flyers’ General Manager?

Daniel Briere: Definitely. From the time I started playing, I always saw myself more in the management role than a coach. I was always more interested in how teams were being built. I probably started that when I was with Buffalo, Darcy Regier had an influence. Then I came here and saw how Paul Holmgren was building his team throughout my stay here. Then I went to Montreal with Marc Bergevin, followed there and we got to the Conference Final. I saw how Joe Sakic started his rebuild in Colorado. I was there early on when, probably the second year, maybe, of his rebuild, so I saw how he was doing it. I've always been studying that. That's always an area that I was passionate about. I was not doing it expecting to be a GM one day, but that was certainly something that I hoped that one day I'd have the chance to build my own team.

Dan, Presidents of hockey teams can sometimes be recluse and unavailable to the public. How much of an advantage was it going into this process to know that Keith has the ability, not only in terms of a broadcaster, but doing morning radio to kind of be a face, and how much of that do you expect him to do going forward?

Dan Hilferty: I think that's a great question, a key component of the job. I also think that these three get along so well, that they'll be able to work collaboratively in speaking to the public on a regular basis. Where I thought you were going with the question was, how do I view it? And I mean, when I think of a President of a hockey club – I'm not even getting into the ownership aspect – I think of Ed Snider, and people said to me, “are you going to be like Ed Snider”, and my response is, “I can't be Ed Snider, I can only be myself”. A thing that is apparent to people I work with is I like being out there. So, I'm going to be walking around the arena. I'm going to go to events. My wife got embarrassed two weeks ago because we were leaving to fly to California and anybody that walked into the little waiting area before we got on the plane that had anything that remotely looked like a Flyers garb, I went up and introduced myself. I want that to be what we do as a leadership team, both from a hockey perspective, and from a business perspective. So, I know he's going to be out there. I'm going to be out there too, and I know Valerie is going to be out there, and I know Danny's going to be out there. Torts has a role to –

John Tortorella: I won't be out there.

Dan Hilferty: He won’t be out there. We were all excited when he showed up today.

This is for Keith. Dan has talked a lot about today the importance of collaboration in terms of hockey decisions. He also said that Danny is going to be making the trades, the signings, everything like that. Where do you see your role being in terms of influencing what decisions are made on the hockey side?

Keith Jones: A lot of it will be discussions with Danny. I'm here for Danny Briere, whatever he needs whenever he needs it. I will give my opinion to Danny and Danny will make the final decision on player personnel, trades, etc. He's going to be on the phone a lot. He's going to be busy, there's no doubt, but I will be there for him at all times. That will be my role. I would just like to touch on something. Dan mentioned Mr. Snider's name. This is Mr. Snider's team. This is the Philadelphia Flyers. We're going to work hard to honor that. To get out there for him. He did a lot for all of us, so we're not going to lose sight of that. That's one of the most important messages you can get from leaving here today.

Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils

2025-03-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

(Pregame - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA - Sean O'Brien)

Introductions

I look forward to the pregame press meal for various reasons. The ability to conveniently eat before working in a carpeted buffet area is pleasant and includes people from across the hockey world.

I shared today's meal with Bill Meltzer, who I've gotten to know since first gaining a media credential in 2010. Consistent professionalism and good nature are just two reasons why he's achieved lasting success as a journalist. Bill's work ethic and prolific memory are top shelf. His humility, in particular, allows him to stand with this era's great journalists and be a mentor to many.

This is the fifteenth season I've had the privilege of covering Philadelphia Flyers games at the Wells Fargo Center. My thanks to the organization, which has always been first-class

The Flyers are 27-29-8 (62 points) and have a -32 goal differential. They've given up 32 more goals than they've scored, which ranks twenty-eighth in the National Hockey League. The New Jersey Devils are 33-25-6 (72 points) and have a +26 goal differential, which is tied with the Colorado Avalanche for eighth in the League. The Devils are in third place, and the Flyers are in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Flyers have won two of the three games played against New Jersey this season, with this being the final contest. Like Philadelphia, the Devils start play on a three-game losing streak.

Philadelphia is playing in the fourth game of a seven-game homestand. The team will likely match its franchise record and miss the playoffs for a fifth straight season. However, President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones and General Manager Danny Briere have stockpiled multiple high-round draft picks, are seeing the potential of the highly-skilled Matvei Michkov, and have some good young players on the roster and in the organization. Multiple playoff runs are plausible shortly, starting as soon as next spring.

First period

Energy persists inside the arena as the Flyers' culture is steadily rebuilding, with echoes of the 1970's resonating within the minds of those old enough to dream of a hoped-for revival. Lauren Hart's rendition of the National Anthem served as a reminder of her famous father, Gene Hart, who taught the game to scores of fans across this region during the start of franchise founder Ed Snider's reign.

*Today's game story will center more on observations and speculation than the game particulars because any points earned probably aren't leading to a Flyers postseason appearance.

Ivan Fedotov was tapped as the starter in goal after Sam Ersson played in yesterday's home loss to the Seattle Kraken. Jake Allen started in goal for the Devils.

Head coach John Tortorella is visible throughout the game when one peers down from press level across the ice at the Flyers' bench. Is he pacing it during the final season of his career despite one year remaining on his contract?

This is one of the decisions he and the organization are making as the next phase of the team's future is planned. An intended transition to an advisory capacity is realistic if Jones and Briere believe the right head coach is or will come available this off-season.

The Devils scored at 11:10 on a close-range screened wrist shot off a rebound. Cody Class got the goal (fifth), with assists to Stefan Noesen and Luke Hughes.

Shots: New Jersey – 5 Philadelphia – 8

Score: New Jersey – 1 Philadelphia - 0

Intermission: Mites On Ice, a 1970's-era idea, was on display. Instilling an early love for the game remains smart marketing and pure fun for those on the ice and in the audience.

Second period

The Devils increased their lead with another close-range wrist shot. Erik Haula scored (sixth) at 5:39 into the frame. Jonathan Kovacevic and Brenden Dillon had the assists.

The League-wide strategy shift to calculated shots continues to decrease the overall number of pucks a goaltender sees. Passing and zoneish maneuvers are now part of the game, and their effect needs to be digested by fans who aren't used to this style of play. Past the period's midway point, the Devils were outshooting the Flyers 15-12.

There were eight non-players with Tortorella on the bench during the game. His assistant coaches and trainers make quite the contingent. Seven non-players, including head coach Sheldon Keefe, were on the Devils' bench.

It was also interesting to see that Keefe and his assistants wore traditional suits and ties, while Tortorella and his assistants were wearing black warmup outfits, which he switched to in recent seasons. Casual Friday versus business meeting attire is an ideological choice.

No penalties have been issued through these first two periods. A scrum for the puck behind the Devils' net during the last ten seconds of the period served as this period's arguable Flyers' highlight.

Shots: New Jersey – 11 (16) Philadelphia – 5 (13)

Score: New Jersey – 2 Philadelphia – 0

Third period

As action through the first half of this period demonstrated, the Flyers don't have enough talent to create consistent offensive pressure. Without that, mistakes or good fortune can lead to goal-scoring chances and this squad couldn't capitalize.

In recent weeks, trading three forwards, one line full of players, is having an impact. The remaining squad will see increased opportunities based on merit, and some Phantoms are getting opportunities. However, goal scoring, an area of need, is now spotlighted more.

Some “Let's Go Flyers!” chants were heard with about ten minutes remaining on the clock. Shortly thereafter, the game's first penalty was called. Michkov was tripped by Noesen at 10:32.

Jaime Drysdale (fourth) got the Flyers on the board after Travis Konecny fed him a nice pass from center ice into the offensive zone. Tyson Foerster also got an assist. Drysdale beat Allen on his right blocker side with an ice-level shot.

Travis Sandheim took a crosschecking penalty at 18:30. With Tortorella needing to pull Fedotov from the crease, Dawson Mercer (fifteenth) put the puck into an empty net at 19:42 to end the scoring and seal the Devils' victory.

Briere sold off with purpose. Multiple returning players will need to develop, and at least one complete line of new players will need to pump up this offense. Better overall defense is required, and two consistent goaltenders must share the net. Also, any head or assistant coaching changes will be significant factors in the success of the 2025-26 team.

Shots: New Jersey – 7 (23 total) Philadelphia - 11 (24 total)

Final Score: New Jersey – 3 Philadelphia – 1

Classic Post: An Interview With Retired Major League Baseball Pitcher Rich DeLucia

2025-01-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is a reposting of an interview I conducted with Rich DeLucia for Yahoo Sports in 2011. It is a good read for baseball fans impatiently waiting for pitchers and catchers to report to Spring Training next month...

“Always have a goal in life. Have some type of passion, so you can get up in the morning and feel good about yourself,” DeLucia said.

Recently, I had a chance to talk baseball with a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rich DeLucia is a former major leaguer who pitched during the 1990's. He played for, with, and against many greats of the game including: Joe Torre, Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Dusty Baker.

Playing catch in the backyard with Dad

“You can't do it by yourself. My Dad started early with me and kept on me. He always said that if I did the best that I could, everything else would take care of itself. He and my Mom gave me opportunities and were supportive,” DeLucia said.

His standout performances at Wyomissing High School, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, caught the eye of major league scouts.

“Scouts were coming to see me during my junior year in high school. I was throwing in the upper 80's (mph) then, but I was 6 feet, 150 pounds. They said that they liked me, but that I wasn't physically ready for professional ball. So, I went to college and got bigger and stronger,” DeLucia said.

He accepted a full scholarship to play Division I baseball at the University of Tennessee. As Junior, he didn't have his best year, but was still drafted in the 15^th round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Medical tests later revealed a bone spur, in his right throwing arm, as the cause behind his off season. A cortisone shot caused the pain to vanish, resulting in a great Senior year on the mound, and a 6^th round draft selection by the Seattle Mariners in 1986.

People Who Matter Most

Early in his life, the most important support he received was from family and friends. As he moved into adulthood, the positive influence of his wife became key.

“I met and married Lisa before I became a major league baseball player. She supported me when I was playing in the minor leagues. She had an important position in accounting with DuPont in Wilmington, DE, and later in South Carolina, where we lived for two years. She was advancing with the company, but quit her job, which was a huge sacrifice that she made for me.”

“It was nice coming home to someone who didn't care if I got someone out. I wasn't always the most pleasant person after a loss, but she understood,” DeLucia emphasized.

Minor League Ball

“School had just ended and I went straight to Bellingham, Washington, which was short-season A-ball. It was easier the first year in pro ball then in college, where the batters used aluminum bats. I threw a no-hitter and had a 1.70 ERA. That gave me confidence and got me noticed,” DeLucia said.

During his first year in the minor leagues DeLucia was invited to play in an annual game for future prospects at the Kingdome in Seattle. Players there told him that he already had the “stuff” to be a major league pitcher.

“I thought I was good, but never thought I was going to be in the big leagues until I got to Double A in 1989 and had a great year. All of my minor league coaches, including Dan Warthan (recent New York Mets pitching coach) and Bobby Cuellar treated me awesomely and kept me on the right path,” DeLucia said.

In 1990, due to a back injury, he began the regular season in a warm weather climate with the Single A San Bernadino Spirit. He pitched well and advanced to the Williamsport Bills, in Double A, within a month. By August, he earned a promotion to the Calgary Cannons, in Triple A. In September, an unexpected bullpen conversation let DeLucia know that he was about to earn the ultimate promotion.

Making it to the show

“After starting my last game of the season in Calgary on a Wednesday, our pitching coach, Dan Warthan asked me to throw a bullpen session that Saturday. I didn't expect to pitch again that year, so I wasn't focused, but he told me to take it seriously and that I was not done pitching that year.”

“So, I asked if I was going to pitch in relief on Sunday, which was the last game of the Triple A season. When he said that I was getting called up after the game the next day my jaw dropped,” DeLucia fondly recalled.

Ken Griffey, Jr. and Randy Johnson

He made his major league debut as a Seattle Mariner against the Boston Red Sox on September 8, 1990. Jody Reed, the first batter he faced, popped out on a hanging slider.

Many familiar names were on that Mariners team including: Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Harold Reynolds, Omar Vizquel, and Edgar Martinez.

“Randy Johnson was just throwing the ball back then. He had not yet developed into a pitcher. But after he talked to Nolan Ryan, he turned into a different guy. He no longer threw everything at 100%, but started to vary his speeds. That change in approach really allowed him to develop into the pitcher he became.”

“Ken Griffrey, Jr. was the best baseball player that I had ever seen. He could do anything that he wanted to. An interesting thing happened during one game that I pitched in, his Dad, Ken Griffrey, Sr., was my left fielder and Ken Griffey, Jr. was my center fielder. During another game, they batted second and third in the order and hit back-to-back homeruns,” DeLucia said.

Rookie of the Year Voting

After getting a taste of big league life, he began to work even harder. A trade with the Giants emptied the Mariners bullpen, landed outfielder Kevin Mitchell, and led to DeLucia splitting time between starting and relieving. He won twelve games as a starter for Seattle in 1991, which was his first full season in the majors. That impressive performance earned him a spot among the top five in the American League Rookie of the Year Award voting.

“The mentality of relieving was better for me than starting. I liked potentially being involved in a game everyday. Plus, going at the batters with everything I had for an inning or two allowed me to use my best stuff, rather than trying to pitch to their weaknesses over the course of a game,” DeLucia said.

Pitching In A Hitter's Era

“The 1990's were the hardest time to pitch ever. Live balls, small parks, and players on steroids. Because I was aggressive, most of my runs were given up on homeruns. Most of my strikeouts were called pitches on the outside corner.”

“A good catcher will put down signs that you anticipate coming. I was always focused on the catcher. He knows your strengths and what will work. Dave Valle, Lance Parrish, and Tom Pagnozzi were good catchers that I played with. Matt Walbeck and I always clicked. I never had to shake him off. ” DeLucia said.

While he was an effective reliever, allowing less hits than innings pitched in his career, DeLucia also became an accomplished fielder. He sported a 1.000% fielding percentage in five different seasons.

Regarding some of the big names that he faced during his career DeLucia said, “Rickey Henderson would get a walking lead and then time you. It was best to hold the ball when he was on base. I would let him get out to his max lead and then go from there. The more the ball was held, the better the chance to prevent a steal. But if he was moving during the delivery, there was no shot to get him.”

“Mark McGwire didn't see me well. He went 1-19 against me, which was a single. Sammy Sosa went 0-12 and Joe Carter went 0-16,” DeLucia said.

Released by Seattle in 1994, he hooked on with Baltimore in the offseason before being taken by St. Louis in the Rule 5 draft.

Joe Torre

“I made their team out of spring training in 1995, but started the season badly. So, Joe (Torre) took me into his office after two weeks of struggling. ”

“He said, Look Rich, I see you're thinking too much out there. You're not going anywhere. You're on this club and your going to be here the whole year. Relax, loosen up, and have some fun out there.”

“I don't know how he knew what I was thinking about, but he did. What he said loosened me up and I had the best year of my career. He was even keel and nothing bothered him. Torre, Dusty Baker (current Reds manager), and Terry Collins (newly hired Mets manager) knew how to set the tone, offer game strategy, and put guys in the right position to be effective,” DeLucia said.

Working from the Cardinals bullpen, he went 8-7 with a 3.39 ERA. In 82 1/3 innings pitched he only gave up 63 hits, walked 36 guys, and struck out 76 batters.

Foreign Substances

“I didn't know much about steroids and wasn't confident that they would even help me. They were prevalent, but weren't tested for. I felt if I made my pitches, it didn't matter how big or how strong other players were. Steroids made pitchers throw harder, but not pitch better. They still had to have the mechanics to move the ball around the strike zone.”

“Hitters had the advantage because they were stronger, so they could wait longer to swing. They didn't have to go out of the zone to chase the fastball. That helped them to lay off the breaking ball. The stronger you are, the longer you can wait on the ball. The longer you can wait on the ball, the better chance you have of hitting the pitch,” DeLucia said.

Family Time

Part of the challenge of the baseball season was being away from family. Before his children started school, he and his family would live in an apartment. When he would go on road trip he wouldn't see them for awhile, but it was still better than not seeing them for the entire season.

“When I left baseball and started coaching, our son Tanner began school. Our daughter Brenna was younger, so she didn't start school until after he did. I would leave for Spring training in February and wouldn't see my family at all until the kids were out of school in June,” DeLucia said.

Becoming a Scout

DeLucia pitched for Cleveland during his final season in the major leagues in 1999. In 2000, he pitched for Oakland, in Sacramento and in 2001, for Detroit, in Toledo, until his arm gave out. He had Tommy John surgery in August of that year.

After trying a comeback in the spring of 2002, he realized there wasn't enough time for his arm to have regained its strength. So, he retired and accepted a position with Detroit as their minor league pitching coach in Erie. In 2003, he was the pitching for the West Palm Beach Cardinals in the Florida state league. He then took five years off, before he and his family decided that they were ready to adapt to a different type of baseball life. In 2009, he accepted a position as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I cover the entire Northeast. I have to rank every high school and college player that is draft eligible. I focus on what makes a player tick and see if they have the mental toughness to play baseball. I present the information I gather to my supervisor. If he likes it, he will make recommendations to the scouting director,” DeLucia said.

Three players that he recommended were drafted last June. A 13^th round selection and a free agent both made it to short season A ball, which doesn't often happen for players taken in those rounds. The 28^th round selection blew out his hamstring and is currently rehabilitating it.

“When I started in baseball, I was raw and threw hard. By the end of my career I didn't throw as hard, but was a better pitcher. I'm learning as much about scouting as I can. So, hopefully I will become a better scout each year,” DeLucia said.

Making Your Best Pitch

Achieving longevity in a very competitive industry, like professional sports, doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of a dedicated process. A hybrid of physical and mental toughness.

DeLucia was straightforward in his answers, shared credit for his success with many people, and didn't have a bad word to say about anyone. Character earns respect.

“The importance is the process and you get your satisfaction from the investment that you put into it. You have to adjust constantly and be true to yourself,” DeLucia concluded.

Rich DeLucia's lifetime statistics

Baseball Fan's Winter Dreams

2024-12-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

Ah, those lazy days of winter. The Winter Meetings, free agent signings, rumors, trades, and speculation fill the extended gap between the last out of the World Series and pitchers and catchers being seen in Florida and Arizona.

As Christmas approaches, baseball fans dream of next season, and they hope for various gifts under the tree that include some team gear and maybe a pack or two of classic baseball cards...

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970's. Those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion during that pre-internet, pre-video game era.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, buying packs at local convenience stores was much more fun. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards, and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Like farmer's markets, local card shows offered another collection-building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for a Tom Seaver card, which was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing, and we had no summer trade deadlines. The duplicates of Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter, and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy was finally willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like a fine wine, all cards need to be stored appropriately. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog and my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available in larger chain stores, specialty hobby shops, and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article, which appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

An Interview With Philadelphia Flyers’ Legend Bernie Parent

2024-08-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Classic Post: An Interview With Philadelphia Flyers’ Legend Bernie Parent

Bernie Parent was central to the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.

Here's another look at an interview I conducted with him...

Parent, who will be honored by the Flyers on December 8^th at “Bernie Parent night”, has remained a member of the Flyers' family, serving as an ambassador for the team.

New book to be released

In addition to authoring a book, he has continued to represent a number of different corporations, and make public relations appearances around the country and in Canada.

Business requests can be made through his manager, Dean Smith, who can be contacted at: 856-988-0001 and through Parent's website.

Learning from the master

Parent's hockey career was partly inspired by Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante, whose sister lived aside of his family home.

wasn't big enough, or strong enough. But, when you have passion and are good enough, the obstacles fade away,” Parent said.

“When I was traded to Toronto, I had some doubts at first. That was a low point in my career because I wasn't looking at the right side of the coin. I was thinking about the Flyers not wanting me, rather than the fact that the Leaf's did want me. Plus, the person who I admired as a child, Plante, was their goalie. I learned a great lesson from that whole experience,” Parent said.

Fred Shero

Newspapers heralded his return as a move that could help the team to win the Cup in 1973-74.

Post-hockey career

A five-time All-Star, he was the toast of the town in the 1970's, adding another Cup win in 1974-75. But, after a career-ending eye injury against the Rangers, in 1979, his life changed dramatically.

“After retirement, the problem is that you can't perform in front of large crowds anymore. That is the biggest adjustment that you have to make. Money is separate adjustment,” Parent said.

He joined a self-help program that he credits with turning his life around.

“In your greatest despair, you can have your greatest victory. As long as I was the hockey player, I had a purpose. Once that stopped, that purpose was gone. I went in circles. I wasn't happy and I hung around people who had a similar outlook. I have learned that you become what you attract. So, I like to share what I went through because I want to help people to learn through my experiences,” Parent said.

In 1998, he was willing to let a doctor perform a new procedure on his damaged right eye. The procedure worked, restoring his vision to 20/20.

Pelle Lindbergh

“Pelle was here on Earth for a brief moment that was cut a little bit short. We are spiritual people and

I believe that when someone passes away they move onto a new place in their eternal life,” Parent reflected.

During the 1981-82 season, Lindbergh was struggling. When he was sent to the Flyers minor league team in Maine, Parent suggested that he go with him. Through his guidance, Lindbergh returned to the Flyers during that season. He went on to win the Vezina trophy in 1984-85, which Parent presented to him at the awards ceremony.

“I opened the envelope and his name was listed as the winner. He came up on stage and gave me hug. It was a big moment,” Parent fondly recalled.

Recent pursuits

He has remained an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He values family greatly, having two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.

“It is a different phase that I'm going into now. I love children. When you watch a child, you are seeing happiness. Watch them for a half of an hour and you will learn a lot,” Parent said.

A few years ago one of Parent's sons gave him a popular DVD. He credits what he learned from it (along with it's related book) as helping him to gain a deeper understanding of life.

Ed Snider

“I believe that he is one of the best owners in professional sports and has built his own economy. He is wise enough to realize that he needs a team. He is involved with his company, but allows people to have confidence in themselves and lets his team perform. Back in 1967-68 (the team's first year) he was sitting at the kitchen table with his wife, trying to determine how they would meet payroll. Now, he is one of the most successful individuals in the Delaware Valley,” Parent said.

Flyers 2010-2011

Packs

Parent concluded by saying, “Material possessions, like us, will come and go. I am grateful for what I have been able to attract. Life is a wonderful journey.”

Postscript

Matvei Michkov expected to play for Philadelphia Flyers in 2024-25

2024-06-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

After much speculation, the reliable Anthony Di Marco and other sources confirmed that the Philadelphia Flyers' 2023 first-round draft pick, Matvei Michkov, is being released from his KHL contract.

The above means that the electric forward will be on Philadelphia's 2024-25 National Hockey League roster, with an NHL contract to be signed shortly after visa issues allow Michkov to come to the United States.

A series of events enabled the Flyers to draft Michkov number seven overall last summer because it was believed he would need to remain in the KHL for three seasons.

This latest development is another example of Keith Jones and Danny Briere's willingness to take calculated risks, which should further the so-called 'Rebuild' in ways that can not be measured.

The Philadelphia Phillies are nearing a stunning super-team threshold

2024-06-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

There are some super teams in the major leagues this season. The Philadelphia Phillies' record after the London Series is 45-20, making this squad one of them.

The Phillies' .692 winning percentage (after games played through June 9) is a testament to their potential. Comparing it to other successful Phillies' seasons or those of 100-plus win teams, it's clear that crossing this threshold would almost certainly secure a playoff berth and potentially a National League Division pennant.

But in the still-early part of June, the Phillies' playoff hopes are only in doubt if they experience an epic collapse that would likely be driven by many injuries after the Trade Deadline.

Instead, the enticing possibility of playing .500 ball for most of the season and still winning 100 games is a real possibility. This could occur during this month if the Phillies maintain a near-.700 winning percentage for a matter of weeks, and then play no more than average baseball through the end of the regular season.

John Middleton, Dave Dombrowski, Rob Thompson, his coach staff, and the returning players from last season (along with those who remain from the 2022 World Series appearance) are focused on flexing regular season muscle and having fun. This organization is determined to finish the story and win its third trophy.

Everyone knows that no team in MLB is anywhere near statistically clinching a playoff berth. But the Phillies and other plus-.600 teams are all, in effect, playoff pre-qualifiers. That's remarkable and also speaks to the unbalance that the 2024 season represents.

Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Versus New Jersey Devils April 13, 2024

2024-04-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

(Pregame - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA - Sean O'Brien)

Introductions

The pregame retirement night ceremonies for Wayne Simmonds were low-key. He dropped the ceremonial first puck before the official faceoff. A video tribute was shown, with shots of many fans wearing his number 17 sweater in the stands. But he did not speak to the crowd, reinforcing his team-first, humble approach. Those who cheered for him during his career or had the opportunity to talk with him as part of the media were not surprised.

Simmonds signed a one-day contract this week to retire as a member of the organization. His eight-year career in Philadelphia began when he was acquired, along with Brayden Schenn, in June 2011 from the Los Angeles Kings for Mike Richards. He was traded to the Nashville Predators in February 2019.

On a personal note, I covered the Stadium Series at Lincoln Financial Field in February 2019. The Flyers hosted their cross-state rival that rainy night, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jakub Voracek tied the game with twenty seconds remaining in the third, and Claude Giroux won the contest (4-3) in overtime.

As part of a media throng, we spoke with Wayne about the game and the anticipated end of his time in the organization. Days later, he was dealt to Nashville.

The Flyers (37-32-11, 85 points) are in their second-to-last game of the season. They will play the Devils (38-37-5, 81 points) in the late afternoon, and Philadelphia needs assists from various other teams to qualify for the playoffs.

The Flyers recent eight-game winless streak ended in New York earlier this week with a 4-1 win over the Rangers. The Devils beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 that same night, Thursday.

Starting goaltenders – Sam Ersson for the Flyers and Kaapo Kahkonen for the Devils.

First period

The video scoreboard noted the recent eighth anniversary of team founder Ed Snider's passing. With the risk he took, there is no way to know what hockey would look like in Philadelphia.

It was a back-and-forth period with little action. Around the halfway point, The Devils took two penalties in close proximity to each other.

But the Flyers' bottom-ranked power play did not come through. There were no high-danger chances. What expectations are reasonable without the personnel to do so? Of course, the same could be said for the team this season.

Shots: Philadelphia – 11 New Jersey - 6

Score: Philadelphia – 0 New Jersey – 0

Intermission: The Mites on Ice show was, as always, entertaining. Many of us have great memories of playing hockey with family members and friends in our backyards or on the street. How great for the young kids to play a game, in between periods, of a National Hockey League game. Of course, if you fall onto the ice and score a fantastic goal, as one of the Mites did, that memory becomes indelible.

Second period

It is an understatement to classify the first half of this period as slow-moving. Credit to the Flyers for keeping New Jersey, the ninth-highest-scoring team, stymied.

A nifty backhand pass from Scott Laughton, who was cutting through center ice, was delivered to Travis Konecny (his 33rd overall goal of the season). He entered the zone and sent a wrist shot past Kahkonen at 10:50 into the period. It was also his sixth shorthanded goal of the season, with the magic he and Laughton produced reminding old-school fans of Dave Poulin and Brian Propp. Nick Seeler had the other assist.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 New Jersey - 5

Score: Philadelphia – 1 New Jersey - 0

Intermission: The Mites again. This sequel did not include a fabulous goal, but it was entertaining.

Third period

A loud “Let's Go Flyers' chant surrounded the stadium with about four minutes to go.

As was true at points earlier, Simmonds' rough-and-tumble game continued during this period. This was fitting, as he scrapped with the best of them during his career. Cutaways to Simmer in his suite, cupping his ear to hear the crowd, upped the electric moment higher.

Devils head coach Travis Green elected not to pull the goalie after a stop in the offensive zone with three minutes left. However, he did make the call with approximately two minutes left.

A third chant carried the team to victory with seconds left. The tight win kept hopes for a playoff berth alive.

Shots: Philadelphia - 4 (21total) – New Jersey 9 (20 total)

Score: Philadelphia – 1 New Jersey – 0

It was the Flyers' first shutout since Jan 13 when the Flyers shutout the Winnipeg Jets 2-0. Ersson was in goal that night during a five-game winning. The shutout was the team's fifth and his fourth of the season.

After the horn sounded

Flyers head coach John Tortorella said he was pleased with the team's performance during the postgame presser. The head coach also said the goaltending situation impacted the team, and Ersson, who played his fiftieth game today, was not projected to play anywhere near that number of games.

Carter Hart's departure from the team changed the trajectory of the season. That explanation will be used and arguably valid if the team is knocked out of the playoff picture before Game 82 is played on Tuesday. The Flyers host the Washington Capitals that night.

On a personal note – I saw former NHL referee Kerry Fraser on the press level after the game ended. It was good to catch up. My interview with him in 2011 was a memorable, wide-ranging conversation.

Philadelphia Flyers: Pre-NHL Trade Deadline Deal and a Contract Extension

2024-03-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Danny Briere made another shrewd move.

Per the organization, “We have acquired a conditional first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft and center Ryan Johansen from Colorado in exchange for defenseman Sean Walker and a fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.”

Walker was acquired in a three-team deal last June that moved Ivan Provorov.

Two days before the National Hockey League Trade Deadline, this transaction exchanged an expiring contract for a Top 10 protected first-round pick in 2025. So, it will likely be a 2026 selection. Taking on Johansen's contract allowed the Flyers to gain solid assets. (Johansen was subsequently waived.)

Along with the above, resigning Nick Seeler to a four-year contract extension at a reasonable number looks smart. A heart-and-soul player who is loved in the locker room, Seeler remains part of the rebuild. His ever-impressive shock-blocking ability currently has the veteran on the Injured List. But the message to the room is that a role model's work ethic is deeply valued and can be rewarded.

Whether more deals happen by Friday or not, Briere pushed the rebuild plan forward. This season feels like a two-fer, with more progress than expected and the Flyers' return to League prominence coming in a shorter number of years than expected.

Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Versus New York Rangers

2024-02-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

(Pregame warmup photo - Sean O'Brien)

Introductions

Travis Konecny's upper-body injury made the Philadelphia Flyers (30-20-7, 67 points) task more challenging heading into the afternoon tilt versus the Eastern Division-leading New York Rangers (38-16-3, 79 points), who enter on a nine-game winning streak. The choice of both goalies implies that their head coaches want to win, as each team also plays tomorrow.

Flyers' head coach, John Tortorella, tapped Sam Ersson to play in the net. Peter Laviolette, who led Philadelphia to its last Stanley Cup appearance in 2010, picked one of the top goalies in the League, Igor Shesterkin.

This was a nationally televised game on ABC. It was originally scheduled as a streaming-only ESPN+ contest but was elevated to broadcast level.

As a side note – Today's game marks my one-hundredth, with approximately half of those games coming since the 2010-11 season when I received my first credential approval. The organization has always been and remains first-class, which a freelancer like me appreciates.

First period

An early “Let's go Rangers” chant elicited bad memories among the Flyers' faithful. Two seasons ago, an overwhelming number of Rangers' fans, more than was ever known to have been present in Philadelphia, dominated the Wells Fargo atmosphere. That 3-2 overtime Rangers' win on March 1, 2023, was seen as the bottoming-out of the pre-Danny Briere-Keith Jones era that began after that 2022-23 season was buried.

A classic, 1970's 1970s-style fight took place three minutes into the period as Nick Deslauriers and Matt Rempe (who had six inches on his opponent, standing at 6' 7”) fought for an extended period. Deslauriers eventually knocked Rempe down after his shirt was caught on his head—five minutes in the box for each.

A lot of back-and-forth action. There were some chances, but none that were successful.

Shots: Philadelphia – 18 New York - 9

Score: Philadelphia – 0 New York – 0

Intermission: The Mites on Ice entertained, as usual. It's always enjoyable to see young players on the half-ice.

Second period

Garnet Hathaway received a double minor for high sticking at 8:47. The play was under review, but the analysis did not change the initial ruling.

With 1:10 left on the penalty, Artemi Panarin was called for holding. But Alexis Lafreeniere (17th goal) wristed a shot past Ersson at 11:56. Assists to Vincent Trocheck and K'Andre Miller. Rangers' fans erupted but were drowned out by the faithful. An ear-estimate and with a view of various blue jerseys in the stands, which was hardly scientific, put the boisterous Rangers fans in the mid-single digit thousands.

Shots: Philadelphia – 5 (23) New York – 10 (19)

Score: Philadelphia – 0 New York – 1

Intermission: A chess-like game through two periods. This is a good test for Tortorella's team. Building culture and rebuilding an iconic franchise is bolstered through winning and learning how to respond to losses.

Third period

Tyson Foerster (11th goal) tied the game because he was positioned in front of the net and had his stick on the ice at 2:36. The work for this goal was done by Scott Laughton, who fought his way to supply a wrap-around assist from behind the net—a secondary assist by Travis Sanheim.

Ersson was screened and could not see a wrist shot that was thrown to the net by Barclay Goodrow (2nd goal). It appeared that Rempe tipped the puck in as he was stationed in front of the net and was seen receiving congratulations on the bench from his teammates. Assists Braden Schneider and Chris Kreider. (It was later switched to Rempe, who had his first goal in the National Hockey League.)

Sanheim led a breakaway while Sean Couturier was in the penalty box with slightly over nine minutes to play. Laughton trailed him on the two-on-none-play. But Sanheim could not tie the game. Arguably, a forward might have succeeded better or used the trailer to set up a higher percentage play or rebound attempt.

Philadelphia was given a chance to tie the game when Miller took a high-sticking penalty at 15:57. Tortorella pulled Ersson. At the same time, the Flyers had approximately 17 seconds left on the power play. After a stoppage, a timeout was taken at 17:42, with 15 seconds remaining on the man-advantage.

There were a few scoring chances, including one puck across the goal crease with seconds remaining, but no dice. The Rangers won a solid game by playing good defense and getting a savvy performance from Shesterkin.

Shots: Philadelphia – 17 (40) New York – 5 (24)

Score: Philadelphia – 1 New York – 2

The game had a playoff feel. The Flyers played a competitive game and play the Pittsburgh Penguins on the road tomorrow, starting at 3:30 PM.

Philadelphia Flyers: Potential Scott Laughton Trade Partially Telegraphed Through Two New Letters?

2024-02-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

Naming Sean Couturier the Philadelphia Flyers' twentieth captain in team history makes sense. The longtime center has proven healthy following his extended rehabilitation from injury.

So, the organization believes he will be on the ice regularly. That factor played into him being named captain.

Travis Konecny was named assistant captain, joining Scott Laughton, who wore the team's lone designated leadership letter. That elevation also makes sense, as the Flyers forward and recent All-Star has come into his own. But strategy may also be part of the timing of Couturier and Konecny's elevations.

Laughton's current contract runs through the 2025-26 season. The March 8 National Hockey League trade deadline can be counted in days, with this assistant captain widely believed to be a hot topic among various NHL brass.

Ryan Poehling recently signed a deal that extends him through the 2025-26 season. Securing the first-year Flyer allows the organization to deal Laughton for a likely good return without creating an extra hole on next season's roster.

Add to the Poehling news, it can only be assumed that President Keith Jones, General Manager Danny Briere, and Head Coach John Tortorella did not want to elevate one player (or two) to the official leadership group due to a trade. While they could have gone without any assigned letters, the leadership announcements, only weeks before March 8, could imply that the organization anticipates trading Laughton.

Jones, Briere, and Tortorella have routinely shared the same message. The rebuild is on, and the plan will remain unchanged, even if the team continues to play toward a playoff berth. Using that logic, trading Laughton (who turns 30 on May 30) for a solid return would further the rebuild.

Like Couturier and Konecny, Laughton has only ever played for the Flyers, doing so since he was 18 in the 2012-13 season. Couturier and Konecny first played when they were 19.

Because the team now has a new captain and assistant captain, dealing Laughton would only reduce one A, rather than leave the Flyers with no lettered sweaters.

Philadelphia Flyers: Rebuild and NHL Playoff Push Continues

2024-02-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Flyers opened the post-All-Star break with a nice 2-1 regulation road win against the Florida Panthers.

Analysis varies. In this instance, a playoff berth would bolster the rebuild. Management continues to say that the team's unexpectedly higher point total does not alter the plan. So, some key players on the NHL roster could be dealt by the trade deadline next month, impacting an ability to win consistently. But maybe not.

The John Tortorella effect has been followed by the dual impact of the types of decisions Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and Danny Briere are making.

Will the Flyers qualify for the playoffs? It's a toss-up. But betting against a team reestablishing its iconic identity is likely unwise.

Philadelphia Flyers: Jamie Drysdale Wants to Wear Orange and Black

2024-01-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

An optimist reads this Philadelphia Flyers' headline as the story. But at the moment, Cutter Gauthier's not wanting to play for the organization is naturally the second sentence lede. That makes sense, since the Flyers first-round pick (fifth overall) in the 2022 National Hockey League Draft initially wanted to play for the rebuilding franchise.

(Flyers draft table at the top of the photo. Courtesy of Sean O’Brien.)

Something changed since last summer's National Hockey League Entry draft, which I was fortunate to attend at the Centre Bell in Montreal, Quebec. So, Gauthier, who is at Boston College and turns 20 on January 19, was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round draft pick.

The right-handed shot D-man, who will turn 22 in April, is in his fourth season in the League, though a torn labrum caused him only to play eight games last season. He has played in 10 contests this season and is believed to be healthy.

Flyers President Keith Jones and General Manager Daniel Briere spoke about their inability to contact Gauthier or his family, which led to the trade of this forward. That term is used because he's played left wing and center, and there was debate as to which position was best.

Gauthier's recent terrific performance for Team USA at the World Junior Championships caused his value to peak, according to Briere.

So, the Flyers could not keep a young scorer, which is one of this rebuilding team's needs. But Philadelphia was able to obtain a young defenseman, who is projected to be part of the blue-line core, and eventually, whoever is selected with the potentially favorable draft selection, unless that asset becomes part of a future trade.

The following information is courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers Communications Staff:

Drysdale, 21 (4/8/02), was selected by the Ducks in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft. He owns five points (1-4=5) in 10 games with Anaheim this season. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Toronto, Ontario, has 45 points (8- 37=45) in 123 games in four seasons with the Ducks (2020-24). He missed majority of the 2022-23 campaign due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The right-shot blueliner set career highs in goals (4), assists (28) and points (32) in 81 games during the 2021-22 season. He ranked second among all NHL rookie defensemen in 2021-22 in points, assists, shots (137) and games while he became one of four rookie defensemen in Ducks history to record 30-or-more points. He tallied two points (1-1=2) in his NHL debut on March 18, 2021 vs. ARI. He became the third defenseman in NHL history to record multiple points in his NHL debut at age 18-or-younger while his first NHL goal marked only the fourth time in NHL history an 18-year-old scored a goal in his NHL debut.

Drysdale skated in two seasons with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and collected 87 points (16- 71=87) in 112 career games (2018-20). He was named to the 2018-19 OHL First All-Rookie Team and to the 2019-20 OHL First Team All-Star. He has represented Canada at the 2020 (gold) and 2021 (silver) World Junior Championship and became the youngest defenseman since 2001 to appear in a World Junior Championship for Canada in 2020 (Jay Bouwmeester, 17 years, 3 months).

Gauthier was selected by the Flyers in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft and has yet to make his NHL debut. He has spent the last two seasons with Boston College (2022-24)

Philadelphia Flyers Creating New Year's Hope

2023-12-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Few anticipated the Philadelphia Flyers having the tenth-best winning percentage (.614) in the National Hockey League. But that mark has caught the attention of everyone except the Flyers' brass. President Keith Jones, General Manager Danny Briere, and Head Coach John Tortorella all spoke about this team's ability to compete this season, and that has happened.

The Flyers' 19-11-5 record is identical to the one the team had during its last playoff season in 2019-20, which became the 'Bubble Year' due to the virus.

Defense

Philadelphia has the eighth-best defense in the NHL, which allows a +11-goal differential. The team's nine short-handed goals are only three short of its power play production (12).

Making Changes

The organization subtracted front-office personnel and players last spring and into the summer. It added players with character and subjective grit that have been openly evidenced.

The team needed a different offensive approach, so Tortorella implemented an up-tempo style that pushes quick defensive zone exits during five-on-five play. The popularized 'Power Kill' reflects that pressure when the opposing team is on the power play.

Jones, Briere, and Tortorella insist that the team's winning ways won't alter the rebuild plan. That would indicate some key players will be dealt by the trade deadline in March, and other changes will happen during the upcoming off-season.

Pace

However, a one-hundred-point season could result if this team plays at its current pace. If it plays .500 hockey during the remainder of the season (47 games, assume 20-20-7), the Flyers will finish with 90 points. While that might not earn a playoff berth, in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference, the organization would jump 15 points ahead of last season's finish 31-38-13, 75 points).

Rebuild Effect

This team is enjoyable to watch, is increasing the value of various players who may be exchanged, is surely realizing gains in NHL roster development, has different assets below the NHL level, and is restoring its legacy status.

The rebuild that was publicly announced earlier this year must be lauded.

Philadelphia Flyers' Modestly Encouraging Start Is Not Deceiving

2023-11-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Flyers' start to this regular season through just past the quarter mark is modestly encouraging. They were in playoff position by Thanksgiving, which is a predictor more often than not of which teams will make the postseason by the season's end.

However, if I were a betting man, I would not wager or wager much on John Tortorella's team returning to the playoffs this coming spring. While the team's overall play is good, official year 2 of the rebuild reconfirms more subtraction is needed, holes still abound, and various impact players still need to be added to the National Hockey League roster.

The goaltending has been generally good. The defensive group is better than expected and a nice surprise. Offensively, well, that is the issue.

No team can win regularly with a power play that produces a paltry ten percent efficiency rate. While breakouts from the defensive zone are markedly improved, a lack of finishers is a team weakness. John Tortorella implemented an up-tempo offensive push. That was understandable because he and his coaching staff wanted to squeeze every last opportunity out of a group that was obviously going to have trouble scoring.

Keith Jones and Danny Briere have good heads on their shoulders. They know this team is far from a playoff threat, let alone a Stanley Cup contender. So, some players who are performing well seem bound to be dealt by the trade deadline, which would impact playoff chances this season while strengthening the organization for more realistic future campaigns.

Philadelphia Flyers: Rebuild Year 2

2023-09-24T07:23:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella is starting his second year. Training camp includes his blend of old-school methods. Those above Torts endorse that approach.

President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones became an ideal fit as the new front-office face of the franchise. The former player and longtime broadcaster's positive reputation sells well.

But Jonesy is no salesman. His tell-it-like-it-is approach came through television sets and digital screens. He is cheered because he blends the truth with light-hearted humor while also recognizing what the fans, both old and new, want right now.

Brian Boucher, another former Flyers player, was hired to take over for Jones with the organization's broadcast team and nationally with TNT. It is fair to wonder if Boosh may eventually work in a National Hockey League's front office if he wants to? He, like Todd Fedoruk, another former Flyer who is replacing longtime broadcaster Steve Coates, has fan appeal that will help promote the team.

Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Danny Briere says that the players will determine the pace of the rebuild. That statement is honest and accurate. Those in charge put pieces in place, while those who relay the game to the fans offer their observations.

In coming years, the trio of Jonesy, Danny B, and Torts seem more likely than not to restore one of the League's fabled franchises.

Philadelphia Phillies: Trade Deadline Looms - Was 2022 a Dream Season?

2023-07-12T20:13:00.003-07:00

The Philadelphia Phillies thrilled their fans by completely turning last season around after Rob Thompson took over for his longtime boss, Joe Girardi. This team stormed through the playoff into the World Series. But all who followed them closely know that the team's run arguably began after the managerial change not in the fall.

But each season is its own entity. So, was 2022 just a dream or the start of a connected, multi-year playoff run?

The sporadic offense and inability to get more than two and sometimes three starters cranking out good work prevent this year's squad from rivaling the Atlanta Braves, who might be a runaway National League East Division Winner. If so, it would be that franchise's sixth consecutive Division pennant.

The Phillies' defense should improve if Bryce Harper plays first base effectively, Kyle Schwarber becomes mostly a designated hitter, Christian Pache takes over in center field, Brandon Marsh shifts to left field on a more regular basis and All-Star Nick Castellanos continues to maintain his decent right field performance.

Among many questions:

But will Harper's recovery allow him to hit home runs at anywhere near his normal pace?

Will Trey Turner hit more to his career norms from here on out?

Will J. T. Realmuto remain healthy?

Could Alec Bohm lead the team in RBIs, in what would become the best offensive season of his career and potentially his breakout year?

Can the bullpen continue its collectively impressive pace?

Will All-Star Craig Kimbrel's impressive bounce-back year be sustainable?

Will Aaron Nola produce effective starts rather than disjointed efforts?

Will Zack Wheeler revert to his dominant form, that was seen last season?

Can Tajuan Walker produce near to what he did to date?

Might Ranger Suarez' steady heartbeat translate into a better body of work by season's end?

What will Dave Dembroski feel he must do by the August 1 Trade Deadline?

A lot of questions were asked. Sure, all teams have them. But it is fair to ask if the defending NL Pennant-winners can answer enough of them to first, make the playoffs, and then manage to repeat or even come close to matching last season's stunning run?