Why I Love Philly - The Philadelphia Flyers

As we sat in my living room, my husband's arm went up with a shout "Yeah". "Why did you say 'Yeah' Daddy?" were the inquisitive words coming from our not quite three year old. "We scored, buddy". "Yeah" the little voice mimicked and his little arm went up. I have to be honest, I got a little choked up. You see, I have been a Flyers fan for as long as I can remember. My dad had season tickets from their second year until I got married (my husband still thinks he was jipped out of his dowry). So the sound of my little man cheering for a goal by the Philadelphia Flyers is music to my ears.

One of my first Flyers memories is when Bobby Clarke retired. I remember the disappointment of the 87 Flyers vs the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup final. I was at the Spectrum when it still was 98% full to watch the losing years in the early 90's (Crazy Eights anyone?). And I was in the building to see Eric Lindros get leveled by Scott Stevens. Being a Flyers fan has been such a part of me that last year when they made the playoffs I got
multiple emails about how happy I must be - one from across the country
via Facebook from a person I hadn't spoken with since college. With 82 games in the regular season and the teams making the playoffs eight times in the past ten years, I am almost always content finding "something" to watch on TV from October through May.

Why do I love the Flyers? I love the sound Mike Richards stick makes when it hits the ice for a slap shot. I love the boards that shake after a big hit by Chris Pronger. I love the little red light
that goes on behind the goal when Danny Briere top shelfs a goal (Yes, I meant to say shelfs not shelves. Its like Maple Leafs. Hockey fan grammar). And it is no secret - I love it when any of the players man up and drop the gloves. I love year after year of goalie controversies. I love the Flyers Wives fight for Lives Carnival and the fact that Scott Hartnell just donated his trademark long, unruly hair. I love the Sign Man. I love the sight of
orange towels during second season and most importantly, I love how loud
the building gets at just the right time. I love the history, I love the current games and I love that a goal from this team (and a little explanation from Daddy) made my little man cheer.

Now if only we can get the music for the Let's Go Flyers Cheer right (sol-sol -mi-sol), life will be perfect . The chant unaccompanied is often sung a little bit like, dare I say - the NY Rangers Chant (sol-mi-sol-mi) - which just will not do...

For more information and tickets visit http://flyers.nhl.com (Philadelphiaflyers.com)