Date Published: 11-12-2022
Photo Credit: Our very own Ricky Brown
Just like that Claude Giroux was saluting the crowd after receiving the third star yesterday, just liked he did following his 1,000th game as he wiped away tears. He made an epic return yesterday as a member of the Ottawa Senators, and ironically enough the team he played against when he made his NHL Debut in February of 2008.
Giroux became just the second Flyer in history to eclipse the 1,000 game mark as a member of the orange and black. He means a lot to the City of Philadelphia, and regardless of how some feel he is a Flyer for life. The Flyers gave him one heck of tribute, after all he’s one of the best players that laced his skates up for this organization, so that was very well deserved.
Photo Credit: Our very own Ricky Brown
A Hearst, Ontario native in Claude Giroux knew yesterday would be a bit strange and weird, I mean after all this is where the “Shift” happened against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. That’s a shift that’s one in the history books for the Flyers franchise:
“It was tough,” Giroux said following the game. “The fans here, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. They treated me well. So many memories in this building. I wish they would have shown that video at the end of the game since I had to see the video then go for a shift right away. That was tough. Part of the game and you have to be professional. Just do your job.”
“I was expecting to get booed a little bit more, but like I said, I have never done this before coming back to a team that you played for a long time.” – Claude Giroux
Giroux admitted coming back to Philadelphia was strange, this is the city that he grew up in sort of speak. He meet a family in this city, Giroux loved the city. Giroux made his NHL Debut on February 19, 2008. From there he continued to break Flyers record after record as he calls his team his second family, “I love them,” he said last year. “This week they have made me feel pretty special. It makes me feel a little awkward, but a lot of people like to feel love like this.
“Just coming in the building and seeing people that work here, faces that I have seen for fourteen years,” Giroux said. “Just great people and it was fun for us. We pulled together a big win that we needed. I am going to remember this game for a long time.”
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Yesterday was a special day for Giroux and his fans. He’s a class act, and one of the best I’ve personally covered. Giroux loves the City of Philadelphia and they love him back. Shoot even Derick Brassard, whom did not play a whole season in Philadelphia received a tribute.
“I respect this fanbase so much and this organization, players that play on that team. It definitely felt pretty good.” – Claude Giroux
Giroux is a class act, and the tough part is over for him. Now it’s time to move on, as the Flyers host the Dallas Stars today at 1pm.
Flyers Notes:
Wade Allison was hurt yesterday and needed help off the ice as he attempted his seventh but of the afternoon. It did not look good, and it may have been his leg or hip. Either way, most likely he will not be in the lineup this afternoon.
