Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Host the Columbus Blue Jackets

Pregame

Based on one's perspective, some may understandably assert certain rights to cover professional sports events based on their full-time or part-time media status. I respect that. For me, as a freelance writer, it is a privilege to receive a credential from any sports organization.

I earned my first credential during the 2011-12 season when the Flyers hosted the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2011. They defeated 'Les Habitants' (the settlers of New France) 3-1. Claude Giroux scored two goals in that game, with Sergei Bobrovsky earning the win in net. Peter Laviolette was the Flyers' head coach, and Chris Pronger was the team captain.

Jacques Martin was the Canadiens' head coach, who, in later seasons, I would have the pleasure of eating a meal with at the stadium. He was an affable guy who spoke about many topics, including his having been the head coach of the Ottawa Senators and former Flyer, Mel Bridgman, having been the team's first General Manager in its inaugural season (1992-93).

Bridgman, the first overall pick in the 1975 draft, became the Flyers' captain after Bobby Clarke volunteered to become a playing assistant coach and led the team during its historic 35-game unbeaten streak in 1979-80. Bridgman died earlier this season, in November, at the age of 70.

The above represents the thought-memory mix I have while preparing to cover a game. Past experiences are generally about the people I met or were in the presence of. I prepare for whatever might happen today based partially on what happened during many yesterdays.

The pregame meal for stadium staff and the media is held in the lower press dining area on the event floor level. Chicken breast with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and seasoned green beans were the main dish tonight. Additionally, a full salad bar, vegetable soup, wrapped chocolate chip cookies, soft serve ice cream with toppings, and a variety of drinks were offered and accepted.

The meal's total cost matches the approximate amount of an entree a fan buys upstairs during a game. In addition, nice snack foods, including Philadelphia pretzels, hot dogs, and drinks, are available on the press level, which is part of the oval atop the Arena, throughout the game. All who are grateful for these amenities, including me, appreciate it.

Why include two paragraphs about eating before a game?

I want readers to learn about unseen elements and know that it's good business to feed employees and media members. Sitting on a soft leather, padded chair on the press level, after a satisfying meal, allows one to be ready for game action, which is what this experience also represents. Traveling to and from the game and creating this feature is work, not entertainment, with my appreciation of what full-time and part-time media members and all stadium employees do regularly in effect.

“Goodnight and good hockey,” was the signature phrase said by the late, great Gene Hart.

I mentioned to Lauren Hart, his daughter and the team's anthem singer, that I always think about her dad when I'm here on the press level. Always gracious and warm-hearted, she appreciated the remembrance of her dad, who was a 1997 National Hockey League Hall of Fame inductee. He taught the game to fans in this region of the country during the team's early years through the 1990s. His presence resonates, still.

Introductions

The Philadelphia Flyers (31-23-11, 73 points) trail their opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-11, 77 points), in the playoff race. In recent seasons, a team needs to finish in the mid-90 point range to finish either as one of the top three teams in a division or as one of the two Wild Card qualifiers in either Conference.

The Flyers enter the 7:30 PM tilt at the Xfinity Mobil Arena (the stadium's most recent corporate sponsorship title, its fifth, which was applied last August) having won two games in a row. This game includes a special “The Office” theme, honoring one of the most creative comedies in recent television history. It went off the air in 2013, reinforcing its ongoing appeal.

The two points were earned after the team arrived in Minnesota in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Travis Konecny calmly put the puck past Minnesota Wild goaltender Jasper Wallstedt in the road shootout victory. Philadelphia was playing the second game of back-to-back contests after defeating the Washington Capitals 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Columbus lost 2-1 on the road in overtime to the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Former Flyers' defenseman Ivan Provorov, acquired in June 2023, is a starter for the Blue Jackets. Egor Zamula provides depth on defense after being signed as a free agent in January. He was traded by the Flyers to the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 31, 2025.

Starting goaltenders

Dan Vladar for the Flyers

Jet Greaves for the Blue Jackets

First period

A camera, attached to two cables, follows the action and provides a higher overview shot for viewers throughout the game. It travels at approximately eye level when looking straight ahead from press level seats.

The Blue Jackets started the scoring at 4:21 into the period. Vladar, who was on his back after facing multiple shots, had no chance to stop the blast taken at close range and in between the faceoff circles by Kirill Marchenko (25^th goal). Assists by Adam Fantilli and Damon Severson.

An unusual sequence occurred when the Flyers scored their first goal. It wasn't called, and play continued because of how quickly Emil Andre's slap shot from the point and Alex Bump's (2^nd goal) tip of it went over Greaves' shoulder, touched the net's upper right corner, and came out as though the puck hit the post. Assists went to Andre and Christian Dvorak.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 Columbus - 13

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus – 1

Intermission: Clips from “The Office” played on the huge, curved video board. Beneath it, the always-pleasing Mites on Ice (children's hockey teams) played a four-on-four game with the nets set up between the faceoff circles on both ends of the ice.

Second period

The above full ice view is the reason why watching hockey, in particular, allows viewers to see all plays develop, both goalies, what's happening on both benches, and how the fans on all levels are responding.

There are periods where little action results. Neither team is able to gain sustained pressure or scoring opportunities. The first half of this period was like that, with the Flyers having only two shots on goal. The Blue Jackets had six shots so far in this half frame.

Then the action turned as Carl Grundstrom and Adam Fantilli repeatedly punched each other in the face as they circled Columbus' net. Both received seven penalty minutes. The fans were engaged, proving that fighting has a place in hockey because the players police themselves.

Fans were reminded of Vladar's 'Steady Eddie' persona as the Blue Jackets recorded their twentieth shot with approximately six minutes to go in the period. He is the year's Most Valuable Player in Philadelphia and General Manager Daniel Briere's best acquisition, in terms of yielding immediate and unexpected results.

There weren't many empty seats, as the crowd size was observed near the end of the second period. That speaks to the refreshed nature of Flyers' fandom. The team is trying to make a playoff push and definitely is in a better position for next season and the ones to follow based on the current roster, players in the system, and draft assets held.

More physical encounters occurred with 24.3 seconds to go while the Flyers were on a power play, as Damon Severson was called for double cross-checking minors in front of Columbus' net. That type of double penalty isn't often seen.

Shots: Philadelphia – 5 Columbus - 8

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus - 1

Intermission: The enormous video screen and the mega sound system were used to fill this gap between the second and third periods.

Third period

Both teams want two regulation points to be earned, based on their proximity in the standings, rather than going into overtime.

Some risks were taken, but not many. Someone will need to make an extraordinary play or get a lucky bounce to create a higher percentage goal-scoring opportunity. Neither happened, and so bonus hockey was given to the mid-March crowd at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex that continues to evolve, with plans to build a new hockey/basketball arena set in motion, potentially happening on the old Spectrum site in three-plus years and this arena being demolished. It opened in 1996.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 Columbus - 7

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus - 1

A brief intermission and then...

Overtime

No goals. So, onto the..

Shootout

Matvei Mitchkov – pad stop

Kent Johnson – shot it into Dan Vladar's chest

Trevor Zegras – shot it into Jet Greaves' glove

Adam Fantilli – Vladar pad save

Travis Konecny – Greaves' glove save

Kirill Marchenko – backhanded the puck past Vladar

The Flyers get a point but lose ground in the standings.

Three-star selections: 1. Machenko, 2. Zegras, and 3. Denver Barkey

Columbus 2 – Flyers - 1

After the horn sounded

The previously referenced overhead camera is removed approximately an hour after the game ends. 

The Flyers travel west for a three-game road trip that begins the day after Saint Patrick's Day, Wednesday, March 18^th, in Anaheim. Philadelphia then goes to Los Angeles and San Jose before returning to play Columbus at home again on March 24^th. 

(All photos shown in this feature are courtesy of Sean O'Brien.) 

Bernie Parent Interview - Forever A Great Philadelphia Flyer

Here's another look at a memorable interview that I conducted...

Spending a few hours with Philadelphia Flyers' legend Bernie Parent was well worth the trip to his office in New Jersey. Here's a full replay of an online feature that originally premiered in the fall of 2010...

“Today, my philosophy has changed tremendously. Everything comes from what you think about. Whatever you are thinking, you are going to attract. When you are happy, good things will come to you, ” Bernard Marcel Parent.

A week prior to his participation in the Spectrum's demolition ceremonies, I had the chance to discuss hockey, business, and philosophy with Bernie Parent. In doing so, I learned about the man who was a steady rock on those Flyers' 1970s Stanley Cup teams. The former goaltender's candor and warm demeanor revealed how he has transitioned from a Hall of Fame sports career to life after the game.

“The last time I was in the Spectrum, I went down to the floor and stood where the holes for the net used to be. I was there for about 10 to15 minutes looking at the whole building. I relived the memories one last time. It was a beautiful thing,” Parent said.

Parent, who will be honored by the Flyers on December 8^th at “Bernie Parent night”, has remained a member of the Flyers' family, serving as an ambassador for the team.

New book to be released

He is also the author of a forthcoming book, My Journey Through Fear and Risk, which was developed through his experiences, conversations, and motivational speeches that he has given since his playing career ended. The book will be available to corporations, schools, non-profits, and individuals. In it, he discusses life after hockey and how each person can develop a proper philosophy. It also contains a menu of 15 topics to select from, which facilitates Parent's in-person presentations.

In addition to authoring a book, he has continued to represent several different corporations and make public relations appearances around the country and in Canada.

“When I talk with people, I tell them to find out what their purpose is. They need to find what they love to do and dedicate their lives to it. That's when you get involved in fear and risk. You may have to change everything in your life, but risk is a beautiful thing. That is when things happen. All successful people have taken risks,” Parent said.

Learning from the master

Parent's hockey career was partly inspired by Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante, whose sister lived beside his family home.

“I was a shy kid, so when Plante would come to visit his sister, I would always watch him. I can see in my mind exactly what his sister's house looked like, how he got out of his car, stood in front of the house smoking a cigar, and how he walked up the steps,” Parent fondly recalled.

“My goal as a little leaguer was to get to the National Hockey League and then to win the Stanley Cup. When I was a kid, I might have had 200 people telling me that I wasn't going to make it. They said I

wasn't big enough or strong enough. But, when you have passion and are good enough, the obstacles fade away,” Parent said.

After playing in the junior leagues for the Niagara Falls Flyers, he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the mid-1960's. Later, he was selected in the 1967 NHL expansion draft by the Flyers and played in Philadelphia until he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1971. Their starting goalie at the time was none other than Jacques Plante.

“When I was traded to Toronto, I had some doubts at first. That was a low point in my career because I wasn't looking at the right side of the coin. I was thinking about the Flyers not wanting me, rather than the fact that the Leafs did want me. Plus, the person whom I admired as a child, Plante, was their goalie. I learned a great lesson from that whole experience,” Parent said.

“I was there (in Toronto) for two years. I watched Plante play from the bench. He was incredible! You don't want to copy someone, but take what they have and add it to your own style. So, one day, I said to him, 'Jacques, can you teach me?', Parent said.

In 1972, Parent took a risk and jumped to a rival league called the World Hockey Association. While playing for the Philadelphia Blazers during that 1972-73 season, he faced an average of 55 shots per game, but used that as an opportunity to apply what he had learned from Plante. When the Blazers moved to Vancouver at season's end, he decided to go back to the NHL. Toronto then traded his rights to the Flyers.

Fred Shero

Newspapers heralded his return as a move that could help the team to win the Cup in 1973-74.

“The first time I met Fred Shero, he came up to me and said that he believed in teamwork, but didn't know anything about goaltending, so I was on my own. As soon as he said that, I knew I had the right coach,” Parent recalled.

“I got a standing ovation when I stepped onto the ice at the Spectrum during our first pre-season game that year. But ten minutes into the game, the Rangers had scored eight goals against me. I heard a lot of boos, and Freddy (Shero) pulled me out. That was my reintroduction to the city. But when you think you have hit your lowest moments, it doesn't mean it's over. You are just being sent in a different direction,” Parent said.

A few weeks after that Rangers game, Shero had Parent start in goal for the regular season opener against Toronto. He shut them out 2-0. As we know, the Broad Street Bullies went on to famously win their first Stanley Cup that season and have “walked together forever”, just as Shero's locker room chalkboard message had encouraged them to do.

Parent earned many awards after his return to Philadelphia, including winning both the Vezina (an award given annually to the league's best goalie) and the Conn Smythe (an award given annually to the league's best playoff performance) trophies in 1973-74 and 1974-75.

Post-hockey career

A five-time All-Star, he was the toast of the town in the 1970's, adding another Cup win in 1974-75. But after a career-ending eye injury against the Rangers in 1979, his life changed dramatically.

“After retirement, the problem is that you can't perform in front of large crowds anymore. That is the biggest adjustment that you have to make. Money is a separate adjustment,” Parent said.

He joined a self-help program that he credits with turning his life around.

“In your greatest despair, you can have your greatest victory. As long as I was the hockey player, I had a purpose. Once that stopped, that purpose was gone. I went in circles. I wasn't happy and I hung around people who had a similar outlook. I have learned that you become what you attract. So, I like to share what I went through because I want to help people to learn through my experiences,” Parent said.

During that time period, he was also a goaltending coach and scout for the Flyers. Neil Little, drafted on Parent's recommendation, went on to win two Calder Cups for the Flyers' AHL affiliate and today is the Flyers worldwide goalie scout.

In 1998, he was willing to let a doctor perform a new procedure on his damaged right eye. The procedure worked, restoring his vision to 20/20.

Pelle Lindbergh

Thomas Tynander and Bill Meltzer's book Behind the White Mask contains a sharply detailed description of Lindbergh's life, career, and the father-son type relationship that he had with Parent. We discussed the book and his remembrances of Lindbergh.

“Pelle was here on Earth for a brief moment that was cut a little bit short. We are spiritual people and

I believe that when someone passes away, they move onto a new place in their eternal life,” Parent reflected.

During the 1981-82 season, Lindbergh was struggling. When he was sent to the Flyers minor league team in Maine, Parent suggested that he go with him. Through his guidance, Lindbergh returned to the Flyers during that season. He went on to win the Vezina trophy in 1984-85, which Parent presented to him at the awards ceremony.

“I opened the envelope, and his name was listed as the winner. He came up on stage and gave me a hug. It was a big moment,” Parent fondly recalled.

“I was very grateful that I was a part of his life. A paradigm was passed from Plante, the master, to me, and then I passed what I had learned on to Pelle. He had a lot of good qualities that could benefit us today,” Parent said of his former protege.

Recent pursuits

He has remained an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He values family greatly, having two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.

“It is a different phase that I'm going into now. I love children. When you watch a child, you are seeing happiness. Watch them for half an hour, and you will learn a lot,” Parent said.

A few years ago, one of Parent's sons gave him a popular DVD. He credits what he learned from it (along with its related book) as helping him to gain a deeper understanding of life.

“The Secret helped me to see that we attract good and bad things in life by how we think. When you have a positive view of life, good things happen to you. The greatest power on Earth is the power to choose. Once you understand the process, you can create anything that you want,” Parent said.

Ed Snider

“I believe that he is one of the best owners in professional sports and has built his own economy. He is wise enough to realize that he needs a team. He is involved with his company, but allows people to have confidence in themselves and lets his team perform. Back in 1967-68 (the team's first year), he was sitting at the kitchen table with his wife, trying to determine how they would meet payroll. Now, he is one of the most successful individuals in the Delaware Valley,” Parent said.

Flyers 2010-2011

“I think this team has the whole package. They have a great coach (Peter Laviolette), whom I really like. They have great forwards and great defenseman. They also have three good goalies, who understand the game. It's exciting because the Flyers have their deepest team in a long time. They aren't hoping to win; they know they can win. If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the whole thing,” Parent enthusiastically said.

Packs

“I consider myself to be a wolf, because I like the freedom of choice. Choice is very, very important to me. A wolf works in packs. So, everyone doesn't have to be like me, because people all have different talents,” Parent said.

He has employed the same strategy in his current pursuits that he did when he studied Plante's goaltending techniques. He studied successful business people for five years, so that he could begin to build his own business pack.

Parent concluded by saying, “Material possessions, like us, will come and go. I am grateful for what I have been able to attract. Life is a wonderful journey.”

Postscript

Growing up in the 1970's, I was naturally a Flyers fan and spent many great days playing street hockey with cousins and elementary school friends. My uncle created cool foam goalie pads that my cousin wore during our games in his garage. Every Sunday, while my Mom was making dinner, I would put my Bernie-style mask on and fend off shots from my Dad in our own basement rink.

After completing the interview, I began my journey back through the roads that I had traveled on a few hours earlier. As I did so, I could see in my memories that we all wanted to be who Bernie was back then. I also knew that I had just spoken with someone who enjoys being who he is today.

(Thank you to Dan Morroni, who is a custom tailor in the Philadelphia region.)

Great Childhood Memories: Baseball Card Collecting

 

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970's. Those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion during that pre-Internet, pre-video game era.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, buying packs at local convenience stores was much more fun. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards, and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Like farmer's markets, local card shows offered another collection-building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for a Tom Seaver card, which was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing, and we had no summer trade deadlines. The duplicates of Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter, and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy was finally willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like a fine wine, all cards need to be stored appropriately. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog and my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available in larger chain stores, specialty hobby shops, and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article, which appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)