March 2015 - Flyers Fan Club

THE PUCK
Philadelphia Flyers
Fan Club
Volume 24, Issue 5
March 2015
In this issue of
THE PUCK...
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT…
Hi Everyone,
As I write this, the Flyers will be hosting the Chicago Blackhawks on
Wednesday night and it will be the first time Flyers fans will be able to
welcome Kimmo Timonen back to hockey. While we wish he was still a
Flyer, the Fan Club would like to wish him luck as he finishes his career.
I would like to thank Jake Voracek for being our guest at the last meeting.
Jake answered questions, signed autographs and took pictures with the
members in attendance. I would also like to give a big thank you to Zack Hill
for coordinating all the guests this season.
At the April meeting we will be voting for officers for the 2015-2016 season.
Please check the website for the final list of nominees and for information
regarding an absentee ballot. I would like to thank MaryAnn Corner for her
years of work with the website. MaryAnn has ‘retired’ from this position and
Josh Ash has volunteered to take over the duties. Alan Ellis has been
appointed Sergeant of Arms.
While the regular season is coming to an end, the Fan Club has several more
activities planned. We are raffling an autographed Jake Voracek jersey. The
winner will be drawn at the last home game on April 11th. Lou Milano will be
hosting the annual Beef and Bowl in late April. Lou is also looking for bowlers
for the Summer League. Please see inside this issue for more details.
Joe Fisher, President
PFFC MEETING REMINDER
Next Meeting Date & Venue to be Determined
Please visit our website at www.flyersfanclub.org or
check our Facebook page for the latest PFFC news.
President’s Column
1
From the Editor
2
Washington Road Trip
3
Desjardins Hall of Fame
4
Flyers Wives Carnival
5
PFFC News
6
Advertising
7
2015 NHLBC News
8
Raffle Tickets
on Sale Now!!
Win an autographed
Jakub Voracek
Jersey!!
Tickets are $5.00 each
or 3 for $10.00 and will
be available at Flyers
home games,
PFFC meetings and
other events.
Drawing will be held
on April 11, 2015
Proceeds will benefit
the favorite charity of
this season’s Gene Hart
Memorial Award winner
Page 2
2014-2015 PFFC OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Joe Fisher
VICE PRESIDENT
Theresa Carney-Kestenholz
TREASURER
Tricia Walter
RECORDING SECRETARY
The Puck - March 2015
FROM THE EDITOR…
Voracek visits the Fan Club by Lois Witulski
On Wednesday, February 18th PFFC members at our monthly meeting
were surprised with yet another great guest, Flyers forward Jakub Voracek.
This was the fourth Flyers player that we’ve been lucky to have visit with
us this season! We have been truly fortunate this year, but also every year
to have such amazing guests come to our meetings. I know I speak for
everyone who attends our meetings that a special thank you goes to PFFC
President Joe Fisher along with Zack Hill for making it all happen.
Stacey Squilla
CORRESPONDING
SECRETARY
Randee Rubin
ONE YEAR TRUSTEE
Lisa Bustard
TWO YEAR TRUSTEE
Josh Ash
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Cathy Boone
Joe Bustard
Alan Ellis
SERGEANT AT ARMS
Alan Ellis
Both Voracek and teammate Claude Giroux represented the Flyers at the
NHL All Star Game in February and it was fun to hear about his adventures
during All Star Weekend. As you know, this year’s game was held in
Columbus where Jake began his NHL career, so he was thrilled to have the
chance to visit with some old friends and also very happy with the warm
welcome back he received from Blue Jacket fans. This season has been
Voracek’s best season ever. Jake has been a contender for the Art Ross
trophy all year with his consistent hard work and effort. As I write this
there are only 8 games remaining with Voracek well within reach of this
year’s NHL scoring title. Good luck, Jake!!
Our meeting was on a cold winter night, sandwiched between two home
games so it was a special treat that Jake was able to spend some time with
our club. After a quick question and answer session, everyone had the
opportunity to meet Jake while getting an autograph and a quick picture.
It was a pleasure to meet with such a talented player.
PAST PRESIDENT
Palma Maglio
WEBSITE COORDINATOR
Josh Ash
TRIPS COORDINATOR
Lou Milano
PUCK EDITOR
Lois Witulski
LIFETIME MEMBER
Evelyn Gross
Lou Milano
FAN CLUB LOGO DESIGN
Bert Fox
Thank you to Jakub Voracek for taking the time to visit with the PFFC!!
PUCK ADVERTISING AVAILABLE
If you would like your business to reach potential new customers, try advertising here in
the official Flyers Fan Club newsletter, The Puck. The Puck is mailed to all Flyers Fan Club
members and available at all the Flyers home games. The following prices include advertising
in 8 issues of the Puck: Full Page Ad $200.00, Half Page Ad $105.00, Quarter Page Ad $55.00
and Business Card Ad $35.00. If interested, please contact Lois Witulski at (215) 551-7998
or email [email protected]. Disclaimer: Ads published in the Puck do not indicate
endorsement of items advertised.
We’d like to hear from you!
The PFFC welcomes all ideas and comments. You can submit your articles to: Lois Witulski,
c/o PFFC, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 or email to: [email protected].
Please note: All materials sent for publication are subject to approval. We reserve the right to edit any portion of
any article to better suit the needs of this publication. Articles printed strictly represent the opinion of the author
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Philadelphia Flyers, its Fan Club or the editor of this newsletter.
Volume 24, Issue 5
Page 3
Washington Road Trip by Cathie Leahy
On Sunday February 8th, the PFFC had nine people carpool to D.C. for the Flyers-Caps game. Fortunately,
we had a really nice day since it wasn’t bitter cold and there was no snow or rain. I went with Al, Beth,
and Joe and the others went with Lou. It only took two hours to get to the parking lot for the Metro
(with free parking on the weekends). We got there first so we waited for the others then walked up to
the train station. It was a little confusing how much the tickets were and how to get them but a kind
security person helped us out. The ride was smooth and the train was really nice and clean. It let us off
right at the Verizon Center. And for you baseball fans, the train also has a stop within walking distance for
the Nationals.
Al wanted to eat at the Green Turtle which is right next to the Center but it was really packed so he stayed
and the rest of us went to the Center. We took the elevator up to the 400 level and waited only ten
minutes until doors opened. We got a free really nice red t-shirt which they gave out on the level we were
sitting.
The game was good except for losing Mason to injury. Finally I saw a road win! They had pee-wee skaters
between first and second period and one of the teams was sitting scattered in our section. There were a lot
of Flyer fans all over the place and we were cheering “Let’s go Flyers” and when we stopped one of the boys
in front of me told me they were the Warriors and when we were cheering he thought we were saying
“Let’s go Warriors”. I thought that was cute.
We took our time getting out since no one was in a hurry. We stopped and looked around the store and
Al got the Caps “40 Years” patch and some of the others made purchases as well. Then it was back to the
train. The directions were really good. We had a nice ride back to the Holiday Inn.
I would like to thank Al for driving and Lou for getting the tickets. It was a great day! I sure recommend if
you want a fun day to try out a Flyers road trip sometime.
Thank You!!
Congratulations to Jennie DeLuca, winner of our raffle drawing for the Suite for 12
Flyers vs. Red Wings on March 14, 2015
Proceeds from our raffles this season have benefited a deserving family during the
holiday and will also be used towards the donation to the favorite charity of this season’s
Gene Hart Memorial Award winner, to be announced at the game on April 11, 2015.
The PFFC wishes to thank everyone for their support in these worthwhile causes!!!
Page 4
The Puck - March 2015
ERIC DESJARDINS HALL OF FAME NIGHT by Maureen Fisher
Eric Desjardins’s journey to the Flyers Hall of Fame began on February 9, 1995 when he was traded from the
Montreal Canadiens to the Flyers. I was a fan of Eric Desjardins when he was with the Montreal Canadiens,
so I was very happy that he was now a Flyer.
During Eric’s 11 seasons with the Flyers, he was clearly the leader on defense. He was Assistant Captain for
most of his time with the Flyers and even Captain over three seasons. Eric won the Flyers Barry Ashbee
Trophy, given annually to the best defenseman, a record seven times. When Eric retired officially in August
of 2006, it was only a matter of time before his name was added to the other Flyer Greats, like Bob Clarke,
Bernie Parent and Mark Howe on the banners of the Flyers Hall of Fame hanging above the ice at the Wells
Fargo Center.
That day finally arrived on February 8, 2015 when Eric Desjardins became the 23rd member of the Flyers
Hall of Fame. The Wells Fargo Center and ice were decorated with Eric’s #37. The current team, watching
from the bench, wore jerseys with a number 37 patch. At center ice, several former teammates were on
hand to help Eric celebrate. Recently inducted Eric Lindros and John LeClair were there as well as Shjon
Podein and Keith Primeau, along with Eric’s wife Manon, and children Jakob and Alana and his mom. Eric’s
longtime defense partner Chris Therien was given the honor of introducing Eric, noting during his speech
that Eric Desjardins was the best player he ever played with.
During his speech, Eric thanked first his mom, and then Bob Clarke for making him a lifetime Flyer. He
then thanked all his coaches over the years especially Terry Murray, Roger Neilson and Ken Hitchcock.
He mentioned the doctors, training staff, equipment staff and PR staff who kept him going over the years.
Eric also thanked the fans for all of our support. Lastly he thanked his wife Manon. Chris Therien presented
Eric with his Flyer Hall of Fame
Bust. General Manager Ron
Hextall on behalf of the Flyers
organization presented Eric, a
one of a kind painting of him.
Eric and his family stood at center
ice as the banner displaying his
name was unveiled. As the fans
cheered on, Eric reached into his
pocket for his phone to capture
the moment.
I was fortunate enough at the
next game on Saturday to meet
Eric and congratulate him and
his family on the great and welldeserved honor. Eric is truly my
favorite Flyer and one of the best
Flyers defensemen who wore the
orange and black.
Volume 24, Issue 5
Page 5
The Flyers Wives Fight for Lives Carnival:
Respectfully submitted by Jackie & Mark Castaldi
The Flyers Wives Fight for Lives Carnival was first held on February 1, 1977. Later that year, one of the Flyers' players,
Barry Ashbee, died of leukemia and with his death came a truly heartfelt focus to this event. Funds raised during this
event support many nonprofit organizations that benefit everything from important healthcare initiatives to various
youth recreation programs throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region. To date over 26 million dollars have been
raised for 150 Flyer charities.
The Flyers Wives Fight for Lives Carnival is one of the oldest and most successful one-day charity events hosted by a
professional sports franchise. The snow that began to fall late morning on March 1st did not deter Flyers fans from
flocking to the Wells Fargo Center for a "fun-filled feel-good" Sunday.
This year's main attraction was a 60 foot Ferris wheel towering over the festivities at one end of the arena floor. In
the center of the floor there was a gigantic pile of mystery bags which were filled with various Flyers merchandise.
The other end of the arena was the Shot on Goal where fans young and old alike had the opportunity to shoot against
former Flyers goalie Robert Esche who is currently club President for the Utica Comets. Wheels of chance games
were set up in the area of the player benches where Flyers coaches were available for autographs and pictures.
Opposite to that side one could find Bob "the Hound" Kelly in the Flyers penalty box, always smiling, with a ready
handshake, a quick hello and plenty of time for an autograph and picture. When thanked for always being accessible
to Flyers fans he replied with an emphatic "greatest fans in the world". Lou Nolan was in his familiar public address
location where you could get a picture taken holding a microphone as if you were the one interviewing him.
David Boreanaz, a Philadelphia born actor known for his role on "Bones" had his Chrome Girl Nail Polish Booth set
up. Chrome Girl is a licensed NHL product that he started along with his wife and partners. You never knew who
you would see at any given time somewhere on the floor such as Paul Holmgren, Steve Coates, Chris Therien,
Al Morganti, Gord Murphy, Brian Propp…
Several Club Boxes were set up as entry
for the autograph/photograph/combo
booths where fans patiently waited their
turn to meet one of their favorite players.
The concourse levels were filled with games
such as cornhole, ladder toss, and grab bag.
One could get their face painted, get a
picture taken with the Stanley Cup, or get
something to eat and drink.
Although this awesome event is organized
by the spouses and girlfriends of the
Philadelphia Flyers, Keisha Chante, who
is goaltender Ray Emery's girlfriend and
co-chair for this year' event said in an
interview in NJ.com that she feels that
"everybody has a different reason for doing
this as everyone has something they are
particularly interested in". No matter what the reason may be for those involved in organizing the Carnival or those
attending the Carnival, it is a day of making memories and supporting the worthy charities that benefit from the time
and generosity of everyone. To the players, past and present, and to their families, your commitment to this event is
beyond reproach and appreciated more than words could ever express.
Page 6
The Puck - March 2015
Happy Birthday to PFFC Members
celebrating in March!!
Steve Berry
Joseph Kachnoskie
Maria Cardoni
Palma Maglio
Brianna Cherubini
Jocelyn Pirmann
Anthony Christy
Joseph Price
Geoff Corner
Bruce Rizzo
Allen Dobromislov
Florence Rizzo
William Durso Sr
Eric Rothstein
Paul Dziomba
John Sereda
Dina Fisher
Edmund Shanoskie
Joseph Gorgone
Scott Woodring
PFFC Annual Beef ‘n Bowl at the
Cherry Hill Playdrome
Saturday, April 25, 2015 8:00PM
Come on out for a fun night!!
Cost is $33.00 or $15.00 for buffet only
**$20.00 deposit (non-refundable)
required by April 18, 2015
Cost includes 2 hours of unlimited bowling, full
buffet (which includes Stuffed Shells, Meatballs
and Wings) and soft drinks included.
BYOD: Desserts are encouraged!!
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Also included in the cost are bowling shoes.
For more information please contact: Lou Milano
at [email protected] or (609) 922-2234
Birthday List Compiled by: PFFC Corresponding Secretary Randee Rubin
(current as of 3-1-15)
Current Nominations for Office for the 2015-2016 Season
from Maureen Fisher, Chairperson
The final list will be determined at the March meeting.
Vote will be at the April meeting. If you are in need of an absentee ballot, please email the
PFFC at [email protected]
President - Joe Fisher
Vice President - Theresa Kestenholz
Treasurer - Tricia Walter
Recording Secretary - Stacey Squilla
Corresponding Secretary - Randee Rubin
1 Year Trustee – Josh Ash (no vote necessary)
2 Year Trustee – Rosemarie Sheetz, Al Eschert
Members at Large – Cathy Boone, Natalie Young, Patty Encarnado,
Jackie Castaldi, Andrea Woodring
Volume 24, Issue 5
Page 7
POPPEL SPORTS MEMORABILIA
NOW AT BUCKS COUNTY ICE SPORTS
1185 York Rd — Warminster, PA 18974
(located in the lobby across from the Pro Shop).
For more information visit our website:
www.poppel.com or call (215) 579-0731
Membership for the current season
is now closed.
New Application for the 2015-16 season
will be available on June 1, 2015
2015 NHLBC Convention in Nashville, TN hosted by:
Detroit Red Wings For’em Club
Nashville Airport Marriot August 7-9th, 2015
For more information follow the link on the PFFC website,
www.flyersfanclub.org
Prices per person are: $530 single; $399 double; $365 triple;
$335 double; children staying in a parent’s room are $175
*Additional nights are $122 + taxes.
Payment schedule as follows: (payments are due to Evelyn on the date shown)
12/5/14 $100 per person
1/25/15 $100 per person plus any pre-convention activities
3/25/15 $100 per person
5/24/15 balance due
Checks are payable to Philadelphia Flyers Fan Club and should be mailed along
with the registration form, waiver form and pre-convention trip form to:
Evelyn Gross, 4205 Poplar Street, Garnet Valley, PA 19060-6874
The Puck
An Official Publication of the Philadelphia Flyers Fan Club
Wells Fargo Center
3601 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148