Quick Hits: August 20, 2023
1) My apologies for not writing yesterday. It was an extremely busy day at the Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp, with four practices and two games to cover for the 2023 camp journal I am writing for the Flyers Alumni Association's website. The journal, kept in running blog fashion, features game reports, select attendee profiles, off-ice activity recaps and more.
Today, there are four games on the docket before the championship and consolation games are held tomorrow here at the Class of 1923 Arena on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Last night, Brad Marsh and the Alumni had a special surprise for the camp participants: a special guided tour, drinks and dinner aboard the historic USS New Jersey battleship; the most combat-experienced (and biggest) battleship in US Naval history. The ship was originally built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. I have some family history in that regard as my late grandfather, classified 2B (employed in an essential industry), was a shipbuilder at the Navy Yard throughout the World War II. My grandfather, who died a couple years before I was born, could build or fix just about anything. My late uncle, a dentist by trade, also had that innate skill. Alas, I do not.
2) Another special surprise last night: Flyers general manager Danny Briere (a coach at past Alumni Camps) attended the event aboard the USS New Jersey. President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones, Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere and Flyers special advisor to Briere, John LeClair, are among this year's returning coaches.
I think it's awesome that Keith Jones and Ian Laperrier are coaching again at this year's @FlyersAlumni Fantasy Camp and Danny Briere (a coach last year) came out last night for the camp outing aboard the USS New Jersey. They walk the walk in staying connected to fans. pic.twitter.com/3Pfyg4Hnwh
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) August 20, 2023
3) Today in Flyers History: August 20
* 1974: The Flyers sell the contract of forward Larry Keenan to the AHL's Syracuse Eagles.
* 1982: In one of the most important trades in franchise history, the Flyers acquire defenseman Mark Howe and a 1983 third-round pick (Derrick Smith) from the Hartford Whalers as the front end of a three-team trade also involving the Edmonton Oilers. The Flyers sent Ken Linseman (coming off a 92-point season), power forward prospect Greg Adams, a 1983 first-round pick (David Jensen) and a 1983 third-round pick (Leif Karlsson) to Hartford. The Whalers then flipped Linseman to Edmonton for defenseman Risto Siltanen and left winger Brent Loney.
* 1997: The Tampa Bay Lightning decline to match the Flyers' offer sheet to restricted free agent center Chris Gratton, receiving the Flyers 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 first-round picks as compensation. The Lightning then immediately flipped the picks back to Philadelphia in exchange for right winger Mikael Renberg and defenseman Karl Dykuis.
* 2001: In another blockbuster deal, the Flyers trade center Eric Lindros to the New York Rangers for defenseman Kim Johnsson, winger Jan Hlavac, and right wing prospect Pavel Brendl.
4) August 20 Flyers Alumni birthdays: Shawn Cronin (1963), Pat Murray (1969).