March 18-19

Saturday afternoon at the Arena in Reading, for the second consecutive season the Flyers Alumni visited. In February of 2016 the team played an "Orange vs White" inter-squad game but on this occasion the Flyers had an actual opponent as the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni participated. The Flyers and Pens entered the NHL together in 1967, both franchises are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary season. Longtime Flyers PA announcer Lou Nolan was in the house, he and I "shared the pulpit" as we had at the 2016 game and for us it could not have worked out any better (there is something to be said for professional courtesy and cooperation). The Penguins were represented by ex-NHLers Greg Malone, Kim Clackson, Phil Bourque, Mitch Lamoureux, John Chabot, Dan Frawley, Jay Caufield, Hal Gill, Tyler Kennedy, Aaron Asham and goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin, the squad was rounded out by Christian Hanson and Chris Clackson (son of Kim). Serving as coaches were ex-Pens Duane Rupp and Pierre Larouche. Skating for the Flyers were Doug Crossman, Larry Goodenough, Brad Marsh, Bob Kelly, John LeClair, Dan Carcillo, Joe Watson, Paul Holmgren, Jim Watson, Dave Brown, Brian Propp, Terry Carkner, Todd Fedoruk, Danny Briere and Eric Lindros plus goaltenders Ray Emery and Brian Boucher. On the bench as coaches were Dave Schultz, Bill Clement and Bernie Parent. The Flyers won the game 8-6 but in the long run the result won't be remembered, what counted for the fans was the chance to see their old favorites play one more time. It's safe to say that the Flyers Alumni will be back on an annual basis for as long as the Royals and Flyers are associated. Take care, thanks for reading.