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Published on:

20th May 2024

Special Edition : Reliving the Cup on Broad Street 50 Years Later

In this special episode of the NHL WrapAround podcast, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Flyers' first Stanley Cup victory. Joined by special guests Jay Snider, son of Flyers' founder Ed Snider, and legendary goaltender Bernie Parent, where they reminisce about the history and legacy of the 1974 championship team. 

The guests share insights into the Flyers' journey, the leadership and vision of Ed Snider, and the transformation of the team into the 'Broad Street Bullies.' They reminisce about memorable moments, including battles with the Boston Bruins, the strategy against Bobby Orr, and the impact of Fred Shero's coaching. 

The podcast also touches on the Flyers' subsequent victory in 1975, the team's enduring legacy, and the personal stories of camaraderie and triumph. The conversation is a heartfelt tribute to the Flyers' historic achievement and the figures who made it possible, evoking the spirit of teamwork and dedication that defined their Stanley Cup runs.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [00:34] Reliving the Cup on Broad Street: 50 Years Later
  • [02:05] The Birth of the Broad Street Bullies
  • [05:24] The evolution of the Flyers and the road to the Cup
  • [12:36] Turning points in Flyers history
  • [31:39] Flyers vs. Bruins for the Stanley Cup
  • [36:49] Reflecting on unforgettable memories and legendary strategies
  • [38:59] The road to the First Championship
  • [42:48] Celebrating the victory and the power of togetherness and legacy
  • [46:10] The impact of leadership and team spirit
  • [56:53] The Second Cup
  • [59:51] Legacy and reflections
  • [01:03:55] The importance of passion and perseverance

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Ed Snider's determination to transform the Flyers into a tougher team was pivotal. His decision to combat physical teams like the St. Louis Blues set the foundation for the Flyers' future success.
  • Bernie Parent’s return to the Flyers brought crucial goaltending skills and experience, significantly contributing to the team's championship win.
  • The Flyers' success was not just about individual talent but about a collective culture of passion, teamwork, and resilience. This culture was ingrained in the players, management, and fans alike.
  • Bernie Parent learned valuable skills and strategies from legendary goaltender Jacques Plante during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which he later applied to his play with the Flyers.
  • Key moments, such as the Flyers' first-place finish in their inaugural season and the drafting of Bobby Clarke, were crucial steps toward building a championship team.
  • The discussion highlights a deep sense of gratitude and legacy, emphasizing how the triumphs and challenges of the 1974 Flyers continue to inspire and shape the team’s identity today.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Jay Snider LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/jay-snider-47487314

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

NHL Wraparound Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

BIO:

Bernard Marcel Parent (born April 3, 1945) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 13 National Hockey League (NHL) seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs between 1965 and 1979, and also spent one season in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Philadelphia Blazers during the 1972–73 season. Parent is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time.[1]

Jay Snider- A lifelong entrepreneur and seasoned business executive with vast experience both creating and managing a diverse group of businesses. Jay founded SpectaGuard, Inc. in 1980; served as President of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1980's and 90's; founded Snider Capital; co-founded Yowie; and, currently serves as partner in Snider Health and CEO of Unit Solutions.



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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.

Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.