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Flyers Fan Club

Volume 24, Issue 5 THE PUCK March 2015 In this issue of THE PUCK... A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT… President’s Column 1

From the Editor 2 Hi Everyone, Washington Road Trip 3 As I write this, the Flyers will be hosting the on Wednesday night and it will be the first time Flyers fans will be able to Desjardins Hall of Fame 4 welcome Kimmo Timonen back to hockey. While we wish he was still a Flyers Wives Carnival 5 Flyer, the Fan Club would like to wish him luck as he finishes his career.

PFFC News 6 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 Advertising 7 members in attendance. I would also like to give a big thank you to Zack Hill for coordinating all the guests this season. 2015 NHLBC News 8

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 Raffle Tickets 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 on Sale Now!! Josh Ash has volunteered to take over the duties. Alan Ellis has been Win an autographed appointed Sergeant of Arms. Jakub Voracek While the regular season is coming to an end, the Fan Club has several more Jersey!! 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 Tickets are $5.00 each hosting the annual Beef and Bowl in late April. Lou is also looking for bowlers or 3 for $10.00 and will for the Summer League. Please see inside this issue for more details. be available at Flyers home games, Joe Fisher, President PFFC meetings and other events.

Drawing will be held PFFC MEETING REMINDER on April 11, 2015

Next Meeting Date & Venue to be Determined Proceeds will benefit the favorite charity of Please visit our website at www.flyersfanclub.org or this season’s Memorial Award winner check our Facebook page for the latest PFFC news.

Page 2 The Puck - March 2015

2014-2015 PFFC OFFICERS FROM THE EDITOR… Voracek visits the Fan Club by Lois Witulski PRESIDENT Joe Fisher On Wednesday, February 18th PFFC members at our monthly meeting VICE PRESIDENT were surprised with yet another great guest, Flyers forward Jakub Voracek. Theresa Carney-Kestenholz This was the fourth Flyers player that we’ve been lucky to have visit with

TREASURER us this season! We have been truly fortunate this year, but also every year Tricia Walter 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 RECORDING SECRETARY President Joe Fisher along with Zack Hill for making it all happen. Stacey Squilla

CORRESPONDING Both Voracek and teammate represented the Flyers at the SECRETARY 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 Randee Rubin Columbus where Jake began his NHL career, so he was thrilled to have the ONE YEAR TRUSTEE chance to visit with some old friends and also very happy with the warm Lisa Bustard 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 TWO YEAR TRUSTEE trophy all year with his consistent hard work and effort. As I write this Josh Ash there are only 8 games remaining with Voracek well within reach of this

MEMBERS AT LARGE year’s NHL scoring title. Good luck, Jake!! Cathy Boone Joe Bustard Our meeting was on a cold winter night, sandwiched between two home Alan Ellis 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 SERGEANT AT ARMS opportunity to meet Jake while getting an autograph and a quick picture. Alan Ellis It was a pleasure to meet with such a talented player. PAST PRESIDENT Palma Maglio Thank you to Jakub Voracek for taking the time to visit with the PFFC!!

WEBSITE COORDINATOR PUCK ADVERTISING AVAILABLE Josh Ash

If you would like your business to reach potential new customers, try advertising here in TRIPS COORDINATOR the official Flyers Fan Club newsletter, The Puck. The Puck is mailed to all Flyers Fan Club Lou Milano 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 PUCK EDITOR 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 Lois Witulski endorsement of items advertised. LIFETIME MEMBER We’d like to hear from you! Evelyn Gross The PFFC welcomes all ideas and comments. You can submit your articles to: Lois Witulski, Lou Milano c/o PFFC, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 or email to: [email protected].

FAN CLUB LOGO DESIGN 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 Bert Fox and do not necessarily reflect the position of the , 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 Canadiens to the Flyers. I was a fan of Eric Desjardins when he was with the , 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 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, and 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 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 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 , 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 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 well- deserved 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 on where fans young and old alike had the opportunity to shoot against former Flyers goalie Robert Esche who is currently club President for the . 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 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". 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 "" 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 , , Chris Therien, Al Morganti, Gord Murphy, …

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 , 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 '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 PFFC Annual Beef ‘n Bowl at the

celebrating in March!! Cherry Hill Playdrome Saturday, April 25, 2015 8:00PM Steve Berry Joseph Kachnoskie

Come on out for a fun night!! Maria Cardoni Palma Maglio Cost is $33.00 or $15.00 for buffet only Brianna Cherubini Jocelyn Pirmann **$20.00 deposit (non-refundable) Anthony Christy Joseph Price required by April 18, 2015

Geoff Corner Bruce Rizzo Cost includes 2 hours of unlimited bowling, full buffet (which includes Stuffed Shells, Meatballs Allen Dobromislov Florence Rizzo and Wings) and soft drinks included.

William Durso Sr Eric Rothstein BYOD: Desserts are encouraged!! Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Paul Dziomba John Sereda Also included in the cost are bowling shoes. Dina Fisher Edmund Shanoskie For more information please contact: Lou Milano Joseph Gorgone Scott Woodring at lmstut@.net 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: 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