Keith "Bingo" Allen is no doubt one of the most influential people in the history of the Flyers organization. Allen began his career with the Flyers as the team's very first head coach, and he remained at the helm for 2 seasons. However, Allen did not leave the team for other coaching endeavors. Instead, he stayed with the team and accepted an Assistant General Manager's position under the Flyers' first GM, Bud Poile. His tenure as the Assistant did not last long though, as he would take over Poile's duties as GM after a bitterness seemed to arise between Poile and the players. Allen had a great relationship with the team, and proved to be just what the team needed.

However, it took a little while for Allen plans to come to fruition, as he was a terrific drafter and talent developer. He drafted the likes of Bernie Parent and Joe Watson, and decided to build a champion around his prospects. He also earned the nickname, "Keith the Thief" for his lopsided trading style. Allen's skills in the front office built a great foundation for what would become one of the greatest powerhouse teams in all of sports. His effectiveness pressed on even beyond the championship years, however, as he continued to successfully build competitive teams for years until he stepped down in 1983.

"Ashcan", as he was affectionately called, continues even long after his death to be a source of great inspiration and tradition for the Flyers community. Ashbee played just four seasons for the Flyers, but made a huge mark on the entire organization in that short time.

Barry Ashbee spent much of his professional hockey career in the minor leagues, but then GM Keith Allen gave him the break he needed when he traded Darryl Edestrand and Larry McKillop to Boston for the 31 year-old journeyman. Ashbee was well known for playing through injuries that would have benched the average player, including partially torn knee ligaments and a chipped vertebrae. As it turned out, not only did Ashbee hold his own on the NHL's ice, but he was the keystone in the Flyers defensive squad during their first Stanley Cup run.

During the following season, however, Ashbee was struck in the eye by a puck, effectively ending his career. But Ashbee would not leave the Flyers altogether, as he became an assistant coach and scout for the Flyers. His future looked bright as a coach, but he was about to be forced to deal with the battle of his life off the ice. He had developed acute leukemia and Ashbbe fought hard, but he lost his battle with the deadly disease on May 12, 1977. Even today, the memory of Barry Ashbee lives on, as the Flyers' Wives Fight For Lives Carnival is held every year in his honor, and the Barry Ashbee Trophy is awarded every year to the Flyers' Most Outstanding Defenseman.

However, it took a little while for Allen plans to come to fruition, as he was a terrific drafter and talent developer. He drafted the likes of Bernie Parent and Joe Watson, and decided to build a champion around his prospects. He also earned the nickname, "Keith the Thief" for his lopsided trading style. Allen's skills in the front office built a great foundation for what would become one of the greatest powerhouse teams in all of sports. His effectiveness pressed on even beyond the championship years, however, as he continued to successfully build competitive teams for years until he stepped down in 1983.

Bill Barber has always been synonymous with Philadelphia Flyers hockey. In fact, the seeds for hockey success for Bill Barber were planted early, as his father made it a point by building the family their own hockey practice rink. Barber was drafted by the Flyers in 1972, and played a mere 11 games in the minors before getting the call from the Flyers. Barber subsequently made a legitimate run for the Calder Trophy, but barely lost out.

Barber had 20 or more goals in eery one of his NHL seasons, amd five 40 goal seasons. However, he was also a great positional player, making sure no angle went uncovered. His 31 shorthanded goals still stands as 2nd on the Flyers all-time list. Barber was a seven time all-star, and holds numerous Flyers team records including regular-season goals (420) and playoff goals (53). He stands at third in assists (463), second in points (883), and second in games (903).

To show their appreciation for all he did for the Flyers, the Flyers retired his #7 jeresey on March 6, 1986. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in March of 1990.

Argueably the most recognizable figure in Flyers history, Bob Clarke has been a leader of the franchise almost since its inception. His career included every mark of success a hockey player could dream of.

Clarke honed his skills as a hockey player in the small mining community of Flin Flon, Manitoba. He became the leader and captain of the local team, the Bombers, and quickly gained attention from NHL scouts. However, when it became known that Clarke was a diabetic, scouts were a little hesitant. But Flyers GM Bud Poile saw beyond the medical conditions, and anticipated something great in Clarke, drafting him 17th overall in the 1969 draft.

Clarke wasted no time making an impact, and made the team right away. Clarke became one of the most prolific playmakers in the league, and set an NHL record for assists with 89 in both the 74-75 and 75-76 seasons. He also had three 100 point seasons, winning the Hart Trophy in each of those three seasons. His all-around game continued to improve over the years, and he won the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward for the 82-83 season. Clarke recieved 9 All-Star honors, various trophies, and the adoration of the Flyers fans for his dedication, perserverance, and desire to win. But after the 83-84 season, Clarke had to hang up his skates, as his body was finally feeling the effects of his all-out physical style. He retired as the Flyers' all-time leader in regular season assists (852), points (1210), and games played (1144). In November of 1984, the Flyers retired his #16 jersey and Clarke received an incredible four minute standing ovation in appreciation for his play. In June of 1987, Clarke was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"Dorny", one of the original Flyers, was an emotional and physical leader for the Flyers during his 11 seasons in Philly. Dornhoefer was not a scoring powerhouse, but led with his body, so to speak. He played as tough and gritty as anyone in the league, and unfortunately, his thin frame took the abuse hard.

He was an integral part of the "Broad Street Bullies" attitude and drove the stars like Clarke and MacLeish to work their very best. He did have his own moments in the sun, however. None of them were bigger than the Game 5 OT game winner against Minnesota in the first round of the 1973 playoffs. Dornhoefer broke through the North Stars defense and charged down the ice. The puck went in the net just before "Dorny" plowed into the goalie with his arms raised in victory. The moment has been immortalized with a bronze statue outside the Spectrum. Dornhoefer retired after the 77-78 season, and sets in 11th place on the Flyers' all-time regular season goals list (202),9th in assists (316), 8th in point (518), and 7th in games played (725).

"The Voice". That's all you have to say to a Flyers fan for them to know exactly who you are talking about. Gene Hart was the most identifiable personality in Flyers hockey, mostly because he was always there to watch the game with us. All of his emotion, exhilaration, and enthusiasm poured through his broadcasts with such ease that often his call is as remembered as the moment in Flyers hockey he was calling.

Hart was a school teacher in Medford, NJ when an unusual opportunity came his way. He had taken a couple local broadcasting jobs, and became a South Jersey broadcasting regular in Atlantic City sports. When he had heard that the upstart Flyers would be looking for a play-by-play announcer, he sent in some tapes. The Flyers decided Hart was right for the job, and even Hart didnt expect what it would turn into. What he thought would be a short-term fill-in job became a love affair with Flyers hockey and the fans.

Hart was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997, and will always have the admiration of the Flyers community. Gene Hart passed away on July 14, 1999 after a lengthy battle with a variety of ailments.

Mark Howe is a true sportsman and a gentleman in every way. This soft-spoken man would probably never strike a stranger as a 16 year NHL player, and the son of Mr. Hockey himself.

Mark Howe played his game with consistency, dedication, and scrutiny that would amaze even his teammates. It was normal for Howe to get to his house after a home game and be up he majority of the night watching tape of that night's game, picking out all the missed plays in his game, and tirelessly learning what to do next time. His work ethic would make him one of th best defensemen of his era. He could make the best forwards look silly and still be back at the other end to get involved in the offense.

Although Howe played forward his entire hockey career before joining the Flyers, he was willing to make the transition to defense when the team asked him to. Not only did he play the position, but he excelled. Howe believed that the team always came first, and he always showed that on the ice. He was a 4 time All-Star, and still holds the Flyers all-time points record for a defenseman (480). He was a 2 time finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, and in the 85-86 season, he compiled an awesome +/- rating of +85 while scoring 86 points. His achievements will always be remembered by Flyers fans, though he would prefer to talk about his teammates, like the team guy he is.

Tim Kerr was a total package of sorts. He stood at an imposing 6'3", 230 lbs. but has the quickness of a 5'3" 130 lbs. guy. Kerr wound up being one of the true ultimate weapons in the league, and a Flyers legend.

Kerr actually was not even drafted, but was signed as a free agent by the Flyers in 1979. He debuted in the NHL in the 80-81 season, but had a rough time for the first couple years as he battled through multiple injuries. Finally, he was able to break out in the 83-84 season, scoring 54 goals. He was able to match that number again in 84-85 and his five hat tricks that year set a Flyers record. Kerr also set an NHL record by scoring 4 goals in one period in a 6-5 win against the Rangers in the 1985 Patrick Division Semifinals. In fact, those 4 goals actually happened in an 8 minute time frame. Kerr then went on to score 58 goals in the 85-86 season, while setting an NHL record with 34 power play goals. Another 58 goals came in 86-87. The 87-88 season was all but lost entirely, as a shoulder injury kept him out of all but eight games. However, he came back strong again in the 88-89 season, scoring 48 goals and winning the Bill Masterton Trophy.

Kerr's career came to a close rather uneventfully as he was left exposed in the '91 expansion draft and was picked up by the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the Rangers. He finished his career in Hartford, and retired after the 92-93 season.

Tim Kerr's secret to success on the ice was no secret; he knew how to score. He had four 4 goal games, 17 hat ricks, and 145 power play goals; all Flyers records.

"The Rifle", as he was known, was a powerhouse scorer with an incredible wristshot. However, his career started off not nearly as productive as it was in Philly.

Drafted by Boston in 1970, Leach was considered to be lazy and a problem with work ethic. He was traded to California during the 71-72 season, and generally struggled to make an impact until his 4th year in the league. Despite Leach's questionable work ethic, Flyers GM Keith Allen traded for Leach at the urging of Bobby Clarke, Leach's former linemate at Flin Flon. Leach joined the team just after the Flyers won their first of two consecutive Stanley Cups. In his first year, Leach looked unimpressive through the beginning of the year, but came on strong and scored a total of 45 goals. In his second year, Leach toppled Phil Esposito's six year stranglehold on the league scoring title by scoring 61 goals. On May 6, 1976, Leach scored five goals in a playoff game, tying the NHL record. That year, Leach became just the third player from a losing team to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff's MVP.

Leach did not score as much the next couple years, but came back for 50 goals in the 79-80 season, and played a major role in the Flyers' 35 game unbeaten streak. His work ethic problems began to show back up after that, and he was waived after showing up late for practice as part of a get-tough approach the Flyers were implementing. Leach curently sits in ninth place on the Flyers' all-time scoring list in points (514) and tenth in games (606).

Rick MacLeish gave Flyers fans lots of reasons to remember him. However, no one moment in MacLeish's career will ever stand out to Flyers fans like his game-winning goal in Game 6 of the '74 Cup Finals that locked up the Flyers' first championship.

MacLeish developed his skills playing for Roger Neilson and the Peterborough Petes, and was drafted by the Bruins using a former Philadelphia draft pick. The Flyers made a series of moves and managed to move MacLeish into the Flyers system. MacLeish's first two seasons in the NHL were unimpressive, but he truly broke out in his third season, scoring 50 goals and 50 assists. In each of his nine seasons with the Flyers, MacLeish never failed to score at least 22 goals. He was a three-time all-star and stands at 4th on the Flyers' career assist list (369) and points list (697), as well as fifth place on games played list.

Bernie Parent was the anchor in net the Flyers, and every other franchise for that matter, needed to be a championship caliber team. His amazing reflexes and incredible play set him apart as one of the greatest Flyers in history, and the very first Flyer to be inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Parent began his NHL career hopping between the Bruins and their farm team in Oklahoma City. When the expansion draft in 1969 came though, Parent was left exposed and the Flyers picked him up to make him an original Flyer. Parent lent legitimacy to a very young team by providing solid netminding and giving his teammates the chance to win. He quickly became a fan favorite, but found himself on his way out of town when he was traded to Toronto in a three way deal that brought in Rick MacLeish from Boston. Shortly thereafter, Parent became the first NHL player to sign a contract with the upstart WHA, committing to a 5 year deal. He wound up playing for the Blazers, the Philadelphia WHA team, but was not there for the long haul. Parent returned to the NHL by way of a trade with Toronto and once again he was in Philadelphia...this time as a Flyer.

Parent came back to Philly and played possibly the most important role in the Flyers two championships. He posted terrific numbers, and was both the Conn Smythe winner and Vezina winner in both Cup seasons. Parent was unfortunately forced into retirement by an eye injury, and he played his final season in 78-79. He left the game as the Flyers all-time leader in wins (232), shutouts (50), and GAA (2.42). In October of 1979, Parent's #1 jersey was retired.

Dave Poulin was the Flyers' 6th captain, and one of their most memorable. Poulin will always be remembered as a tough, gritty, all-around player that did everything to lead his team by example.

Poulin was signed as a free agent in 1983, and wasted no time making his presence felt in the big time. He scored two goals in his first NHL game, including a shorthanded goal in front of his home town of Toronto. But the NHL and the Flyers wouldn't get a full dose of Dave Poulin until the following season when he scored 31 goals and 45 assists for 76 points in 73 games. The Flyers organization knew they had someone special on their hands, and Poulin proved them right, scoring at least 25 goals in each of his first 4 full seasons. During just his second full season with the Flyers, they bestowed upon him the captaincy, and entrusted him to lead the team. Poulin was team captain in 6 seasons, and helped to lead the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals twice in that time. Poulin was a three-time All-Star (85-86, 86-87, 87-88), earned the Yanick Dupre Memorial Class Guy Award for the 83-84 season and the NHL's Frank Selke Award for best defensive forward for the 86-87 season.

Poulin was a Flyer until the 89-90 season, when he was traded to the Boston Bruins for Ken Linesman. He played six more years in the NHL, but was slowed due to injuries. Even so, the Flyers and their fans know that Poulin could never be stopped on the ice due to the rock-solid work ethic, determination, and leadership qualities that made him one of the true Flyers greats.

Brain Propp, the son of a minister, came into the Flyers system in 1979 as the 14th overall pick in the draft. On a team filled with the veteran core that had led the Flyers to the promised land just a few years earlier, Propp had no problem making his presence known.

Propp scored his first goal in his first game as a Flyer. In fact, it was the game winning goal. His first season made him worthy to be named Rookie of the Year, but he lost out to Ray Bourque. He set a Flyers record for points by a rookie with 34 goals and 41 assists. He carved out his place in Flyers history by scoring 40 or more goals four times, and 90 or more points four times. He was a perennial playoff performer, and played in a total of five Finals, but never got his name on the Cup. He still holds the Flyers record for points in a playoff year with 28 (12 goals, 16 assists).

Propp stands at third on the Flyers' all-time points scoring list (849), second in goals (369), and second in assists (480). His signature hand motion and "Guffaw!" cry after each goal became as well known as he was, and the Flyers fans always held him in the highest regard.

Joe Scott was one of the pioneers of Philadelphia NHL hockey, as he brought his successes as a businessman to the inception of the Flyers franchise.

Scott had been the driving force behind the growth of the largest beer distributor in the world, Scott & Grauer. He and Ed Snider had met in the mid-60's during advertising relations while Snider was working primarily in his partial ownership of the Philadelphia Eagles. Snider approached Scott about bringing NHL hockey to Philly, and was looking for investors in the team and a brand new arena to house the Flyers and Sixers. Scott agreed to particpate, and used his considerable business skills to market season tickets as wise investments for fans. Merchandising became a big sell for Scott as well, and the Flyers seemed to have been able to do what few upstart teams had; build a solid fanbase.

Scott acted as President of Operations for many years, and was bought out of his share of ownership by Ed Snider in 1984. Scott passed away in 2002 of natural causes.

Fred Shero's accomplishments as the Flyers' coach of the 70's are nothing less than impressive. He managed to take a very young fledgling team only 6 years old, and lead them to the top of the mountain.

Shero spent 13 years coaching in the minors, and was quite successful. However, Shero didnt feel that he would get much of a chance to coach in the NHL...but one day the Flyers came calling. Shero was an innovator in coaching style, being the first coach to implement an all-encompassing philosophy to the entire team. Rather than each indidvdual line playing its own style, the whole team was expected to play the same style, top to bottom. It was a philosophy that would pull the entire team together as one cohesive unit, and help build the Flyers' reputation as the "Broad Street Bullies". The Flyers won back-to-back Cups under Shero, and he won the NHL's first Jack Adams Trophy as the league's best coach in 73-74.

Shero holds the Flyers coaching records for wins (308), winning percentage (.642), and playoff wins (48).

Ed Snider is the single most influential person in Flyers hockey, and in all of Philadelphia sports. He is the primary reason the Flyers started operations in 1967.

After attending a game at the Boston Garden to see the Celtics play, Snider was intrigued by the line outside at the box office for Bruins tickets. The Bruins at that time were a last place team, but were drawing fans better than the Celtics, who were considered one of the best teams of their time. Shortly thereafter, Snider heard that the NHL was taken applicatios for expansion, and he decided to put together a plan to bring a team to Philly. Partnering with Bill Putnam and Joe Scott, Snider was able to convince the NHL that Philly was a viable market for hockey. The plan included establishing the Flyers to start operations in 1967, and to build a new home arena for both the Flyers and Sixers called The Spectrum. Snider saw his plans come to fruition on October 11, 1967 when the Flyers played their first game, and on October 19, 1967, when the Flyers played their first home game at The Spectrum.

"Mr. Snider", as he is commonly called, remains the main shot-caller for the Flyers today. He sold his majority ownership to the Comcast Corporation in 1996, but stills holds partial ownership and acts as Chairman of the Flyers, 76ers, and Comcast Spectacor, the entity that operates both teams. He received the Lester Patrick Award in 1980 for outstanding contributions to North American hockey, and is a member of the Hockey, Flyers, and Pennsylvania Sports Halls of Fame.

Nobody in Flyers history embodied the characteristics of the "Broad Street Bullies" as Ed Van Impe did. He may not have had a lightning fast wrister, or the skating skill of a Lemeiux, but there was no doubt that he was one of the best defensive and toughest players the game has seen.

Van Impe broke into the NHL with Chicago in 1966 after five seasons in the minors. His rough and tough style made him one of the most imposing forces on his side of the red line. His stick and cross-checking were used regularly to intimidate forwards approaching his zone. Van Impe delivered many memorable hits in his career, but none as memorable as the one he gave to a member of the Soviet Red Army during their 1976 exhibition game. The hit prompted the Soviets to leave the ice in protest to Van Impe and the Flyers' play.

Van Impe's toughness knew no bounds. One famous story relives Van Impe getting hit in the mouth with a puck. He lost 6 teeth, got 35 stitches in his lip, and 7 stitches in his tongue, and still came back out on the ice for the third period.

Van Impe's play was hindered after a hernia surgery in 1975, and he was traded to the Penguins in 1976. A shoulder injury suffered during training camp the following year ended his career. Van Impe will always be remembered as one of the true "Bullies", and a major leader for the championship squads of 73-74 and 74-75.

Joe Watson was a major force behind the Flyers' blue line, and his defensive fundamentals as well as rough style made forwards think twice before they approached.

Watson started his NHL career in Boston playing alongside the legendary Bobby Orr, but was picked up in the 1967 expansion draft by the Flyers. Watson always gave the Flyers a chance to win with his defensive capabilities, and was at his very best in the Flyers' two championship years. Along with players like Ed Van Impe, Bobby Clarke, and Gary Dornhoefer, Watson helped to establish the Flyers as true contenders, and developed the "Broad Street Bullies" reputation.

Strangely enough, although Watson was not a scorer, it was his game winner that sealed the Flyers' huge win over the Soviet Red Army in 1976. But with the likelyhood that he would have to take a reduced role on the team, he agreed to a trade that sent him to the Colorado Rockies in 1978. Just weeks into the season, Watson was checked and crashed into the boards, breaking his leg in 13 places, and effectively ending his career.