A Flyers Knitty Gritty Special Edition: A Salute To Honor Black History Month

This is the first part of a three part series. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Not every player that put on the orange and black was a goal scorer, an enforcer,
or a goaltender. However, at one time or another in this Special edition for Black
History Month, I will cover the life and careers of some African American players that represented the Flyers well, and all
brought something to the team. Three players that are well respected, and dedicated to the sport of hockey. Now let’s get this under way, and this first edition I will cover the enforcer Donald Brashear.

Donald Brashear spent four seasons with the Flyers, coming to Philly via trade in 2001. Although, Brashear only provided 22 goals in those four seasons total, he racked up 648 penalty minutes, and was the 2002 Pelle Lindbergh Memorial
Trophy winner due to his work ethic. It was his role to be an enforcer, and other players around the league respected that.

Bringing the name the “Broad Street Bullies” back to life once again. There wasn’t a player Brashear wouldn’t back down to, in a league where guys like Rob Ray, Darius Kasperitus, and Tie Domi were at the top of the fight game. Well, Brashear had an answer for them all. I remember watching the flyers up 5-3 in the 3rd period against the Ottawa Senators, and Donald Brashear starting a fight with Rob Ray. A fight that went down in history, and set career highs in penalty minutes for both squads.

The fight led to continuous line brawls, one after another, Old Time Hockey was back!- I still feel poor Matty Timander who was stuck fighting Zdeno Chara, but we don’t need to get into that. Memories like the famous Brashear vs Domi brawl in the playoffs, everyone waited and waited for them to drop the gloves, and indeed they did. We thank Donald Brashear for all his hard work, and the memories he
provided Flyers fans everywhere.

That’s my story and I’m Sticking to it!