Quick Hits: August 17, 2023
1) Flyers defenseman Marc Staal is Jason Myrtetus' guest on the new episode of the Flyers Daily podcast. During a 22-minute conversation, Staal discusses signing with the Flyers after going to the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers last season. He talks about having played previously for John Tortorella with the New York Rangers and his comfort level in knowing what the coach expects from his players. Staal also talks about the role his familiarity with playing in the Metro Division, staying closer to his family's home, and the chance to take a veteran leadership role played in his decision. To listen to the podcast, click here.
2) If you tune in to the ongoing Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, and hear a familiar last name on the team from Media, PA, who just so happens to be sporting No. 11 on his uniform it's not a coincidence. Media catcher Nate Saleski is the grandson of Broad Street Bullies era right winger Don Saleski. He wears No. 11 in honor of "Big Bird". Nat's dad, Adam, is one of the team's coaches. The team lost their first game last night but still have games to play. Jack McCaffrey wrote a nice article on the Saleski clan for the Delco Times. It's been an exciting year for the Saleski family, as Don was recently inducted into the DelCo chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Flyers Hall of Fame defenseman Joe Watson recorded a shoutout for his old teammate's grandson and the rest of the Media team.
Little League World Series: My Flyers teammate Don Saleski's grandson Nate is a catcher for the Media team. They lost a tough one last night but have more games to play. Adam Saleski, Don's son, is one of the coaches. Best of luck, guys! pic.twitter.com/Rltz4VYMBf
— Joe Watson Official (@JoeWatsonHockey) August 17, 2023
4) Today in Flyers History: On August 17, 1977, the Flyers signed recently graduated Providence College senior forward Brian Burke to an NHL contract after Burke had a seven-game AHL tryout with the Springfield Indians late in the 1976-77 campaign. Burke would only play one year of pro hockey, dressing in 65 regular season games (3g, 5a, 8 points, 60 PIM) and eight playoff games (0 points, 25 PIM) in a fourth-line role for Bob MCammon's Calder Cup champion Maine Mariners. Thereafter, Burke went back to school to attend and graduate Harvard Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1981.
Subsequently, Burke returned to the hockey world to begin a career that has spanned 40-plus years. He's been a player agent, NHL team executive in various capacities, an executive with the NHL itself, a television studio analyst, and more. "Burkie's" son, Patrick, worked for a time as a Flyers scout before going to work for the NHL. Patrick helped launch the NHL's "You Can Play" program.