Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp
University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 23 Ice Rink played host again this year to the Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp. This annual event is a chance for players to live like a pro for the weekend. This year’s camp was broken up into three teams. The teams are coached by Flyers alumni leading up to a championship game which was played on Monday morning. Proceeds from the camp go to support Flyers Alumni charities and community outreach.
Camp participants received on ice training from Flyers Alumni in preparation for competitive games and a championship tournament. Registration included custom jerseys, hotel lodgings, social events, and a farewell dinner. It is a chance to live the dream while helping to raise funds to a good cause.
The two teams playing the championship game Monday morning wore throwback uniforms from two long defunct local hockey clubs. Former Flyers Robert Esche and Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Recchi were behind the bench coaching a team wearing the old Philadelphia Firebirds uniforms.
Trivia: The Firebirds were a North American Hockey League team that played out of Philly from 1974 to 1979. They won the NAHL championship at the old Philadelphia Civic Center in 1976. It was a consolation prize for the city after the Habs got in the way of the Flyers Stanley Cup Three-peat.
Former Flyers Joe Watson and Tim Kerr were joined by Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Howe behind the bench coaching a Philadelphia Blazers themed team.
Trivia: The Blazers were a World Hockey Association team that represented the City of Brotherly Love for just one season in 1972-73. The Blazers also played out of the old Philadelphia Civic Center which stood at the end of 34th Street in West Philly from 1931 to 2005. The Blazers short stint in the city is possibly most remembered because of a fine young goaltender named Bernie Parent.
Class of 23 Rink
There’s plenty of history between the Flyers organization and Penn’s ice rink which has stood at 3130 Walnut Street since 1970. The Class of 1923 Rink was the main practice facility of the Philadelphia Flyers from 1969 to 1983. The Flyers history here started before the rink was even open to the public. The strategies and attitude of the Broad Street Bullies were forged in this building.
When you look at the official team photo of the 1974 Stanley Cup Flyers you will recognize the blue and red bleachers that still surround the ice today. Currently the rink is often loaned out to visiting NHL teams for their morning skate when they come to Philly to face the Flyers.
The rink also hosts the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program which brings the sport and it’s great life lessons to kids from all over the area. Penn’s rink has much more to offer than just its rich history. It’s a living breathing part of today’s Philadelphia hockey community.
On a personal note, I love this place, been coming here since I was a little kid. I learned to skate here, I was lucky enough to attend Flyers practices here. I’ve played hockey on this ice every single week for many, many years now. Sunrise on Friday mornings just would not be the same without it. This arena is a treasure and a huge part of Philly hockey history. If you’ve never checked it out you really should put it on your to-do list.
Special thanks to Penn Rink Manager Rob Harkins and Flyers Alumni Staff Dave Culp for all their help.
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