Photo Credit: NHL.com
When a person thinks of the Flyers broadcast team, one person that immediately comes to mind is Steve Coates. Coatesy has been a staple in moose Flyers fans homes for the past 43 years, and today he officially announced his retirement well over a week ago. According to the Press release, the Flyers will conduct the search for their next color commentator in the Summer.
The Flyers honored Coatesy before the game this past Saturday on April 1 against Buffalo sabers, and he was given a few awesome gifts with the lights of a set of golf clubs from the players and a golf cart from the Flyers. Also, each player wore a #43 Jersey during Pre-Game warm-ups to honor Coatesy. He has endured a storied career, and has worked with the likes of many broadcasters, some of his best friends and personalities were Gene Hart, and Jim Jackson, “I’m surprised I didn’t get fired on my first game after spilling coffee all over Gene Hart’s notes,” Coatesy said at his press conference before the game on Saturday.
Coatesy is a legend to most Flyers fans, and a face that everybody knows. After 43 years of service to the Flyers organization this is a well-deserved retirement. He will indeed remain a fixture in the Flyers community and partake in some alumni events at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
It’s a retirement that was forced by his body. Coatesy admits that he is retiring due to his right eye. He’s having trouble seeing out of that eye, and unfortunately he can’t see the game the way he used to be able to see it. This is a darn shame for someone who started Coatesy’s corner, to which most kids of that era grew up on this segment.
I’ll never forget the first time I met him in the Flyers locker room following a game in the Flyers Press Box. He said, “I know who you are.” I was floored, a legend actually read my stuff. It’s time now to ride off into the sunset Coatesy.
“In 1973 at training camp I was the shortest guy. Now here I am 50 years later as a member of the Flyers.” – Steve Coates
Coates continued, “It’s surreal.” Thank you for everything Coatesy, and thank you for embracing fans as if you knew them personally.
