In the beginning it was Ed Snider’s drive to bring hockey to Philadelphia. However, as time has passed there has been an evolution of the hockey community. Organized, talented, and tight nit the local hockey roster in Philadelphia is strong and proud. A constant community that grows internally and generates the drive, that fuels the Flyers fanbase. It’s not just the professionals that sell the game of hockey, they’re only a representation of it. While hockey Canada is known for engulfing its country in hockey, Philadelphia has its neighborhoods entrenched hockey culture. It’s the local legends that drive the successes and the growth of hockey culture in Philly. It’s why Flyers fans never stop to remind themselves that Johnny Gaudreau and Bobby Ryan are local athletes. Other names like also local hockey hero TJ Brennan and his younger brother Shayne Brennan, or friend of the show, Ryan Marker, are all members of Philadelphia’s hockey culture.
On this episode of of The Flyers Nitty Gritty we have on local athlete and hockey advocate, Anthony Merrigan. Anth has been one of the leaders of the culture in the Philadelphia hockey community for over two decades, consistently plying, organizing, and keeping the game goin. The way we see it, Anthony is the definition of “if you build it, they will come”. It’s his love for the game and his commitment to leadership that keeps the culture together. The hockey community can only hope that he takes it one step further. Listen in on this weeks episode as we get Anthony’s take on local hockey, player development, and Flyers goaltending.
