For the first time in five seasons, the Flyers will be adding to the Flyers Hall of Fame.
The organization on Tuesday announced the six finalists that will be up for consideration for joining an all-time group of Philadelphia legends. This six include Simon Gagne, Paul Holmgren, Bob Kelly, Lou Nolan, Mark Recchi and Rick Tocchet.
“These six nominees have each made historic contributions to the Flyers organization,” said Dave Scott, Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers. “This list of Flyers greats is a reminder of the rich history and tradition of our organization.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the voting committee’s final decision, and we’re even more excited to honor a new member or members of the Flyers Hall of Fame at the game this season.”
Each of the six rightfully deserve to be enshrined in organization history, as their careers in Philadelphia have helped mold the team’s legacy. Truthfully, each individual case calls for a matter of “when” they should be inducted, rather than “if.”
Gagne spent 11 seasons with the Flyers and is most often remembered for his game-winning goals. In addition to six career game-winning goals in the playoffs — two of the most memorable occurring during 2009-10 against the Lightning and Bruins — he is also sixth in franchise history in GWG (47).
Holmgren has a rare case for the Flyers Hall of Fame. Through his 40-plus years in the organization, he is the only individual in franchise history to play for the team, and hold titles as an assistant coach, head coach, general manager and president.
Kelly holds one of the most memorable moments in Flyers history, scoring the game-winning goal in Game 6 at Buffalo in 1975 to clinch the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. Kelly has also dedicated the past 18 years to being an Ambassador of Hockey and continuing community outreach within Philadelphia.
If you’ve attended a Flyers game in the past 49 years, you know Nolan’s voice. He has been a part of the organization since its inaugural season in 1967-68 and has continued to be a staple in the team’s history. He has been there for two Stanley Cup victories, along with six other appearances.
Often times, Recchi is a hot topic of discussion when it comes to the Flyers Hall of Fame, due to his stint and success with the Penguins. But when that is put aside, his case is more than valid for the Flyers. He holds ninth all-time in scoring with the organization with 627 points in addition to owning the single-season record for points (123) during the 1992-93 season. Recchi was also inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 2017.
When you think of Philly-style hockey, you think of Tocchet. Playing parts of 11 seasons with the Flyers, he is the all-time leader in penalty minutes (1,815), and his 27 goals and 60 points in the playoffs is the 10th-best in franchise history.
The Flyers will select a home game during the 2021-22 season, where they will hold a pregame ceremony to induct the latest member(s).
Current members of the Flyers Hall of Fame
1988 — Bob Clarke and Bernie Parent
1989 — Bill Barber, Ed Snider and Keith Allen
1990 — Rick MacLeish and Fred Shero
1991 — Barry Ashbee and Gary Dornhoefer
1992 — Reggie Leach and Gene Hart
1993 — Joe Scott and Ed Van Impe
1994 — Tim Kerr
1996 — Joe Watson
1999 — Brian Propp
2001 — Mark Howe
2004 — Dave Poulin
2008 — Ron Hextall
2009 — Dave Schultz
2014 — Eric Lindros and John LeClair
2015 — Rod Brind’Amour
2016 — Jimmy Watson
Photo by Alex McIntyre / Philly Sports Network
