Photo Credit: NHL.com
It’s a breath of fresh air in Flyer land these days. Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella has said over and over again that the locker room has a better feel this season, and he might be right. So much so, the Flyers continue to sit in a wild card spot.
Today be a great day at the Wells Fargo Center, as the Flyers will honor the late Ed Snider, he would turn 91 today, “Mr. Snider’s birthday tomorrow, 91. Just the way people have talked about him, I have a special admiration for him. It goes on daily here talking about that man. Hope he’s resting peacefully, happy birthday,” said Flyers head coach John Tortorella yesterday after practice.
What resonates with a lot of people, to include players, other athletes, coaches, are the respect that Snider had for each and every person. He would be seen in the locker room after games pumping his fists in the air, giving fist pumps to people, giving handshakes after a big game victory. Even in a loss, he would pat the athletes on the back, and coaches alike. He was very passionate, so there were some times to where he was adamant or mad at the direction of the team. It had nothing to do with hatred of people, he was just a passionate guy that wanted to win. Snider was in it to win it, and he would do everything in his power to ensure that would happen.
Flyers fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 12:30 p.m. today before the Flyers play the Calgary Flames. The Flyers will pay special tribute to Snider’s life and legacy. In addition, Flyers Charities will make a $300,000 donation to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education in support of future projects and programming. Fans will also receive a commemorative Snider jersey patch giveaway.
The one thing I love about Tortorella he gets it. Last night before the game he said, “One thing I love about Philly is our alumni. I’ve been able to have conversations with them, and talk about Mr. Snider. I wish I had an opportunity to get to know him better. So many people hold him in such high regard. I wish I could have experienced that.”
“I’ve been able to have conversations with them, and talk about Mr. Snider. I wish I had an opportunity to get to know him better. So many people hold him in such high regard. I wish I could have experienced that.” – John Tortorella
This is Mr Snider’s team. He has given the city of Philadelphia a sports team in the Philadelphia Flyers. Snider did so much for the community, and his organization still does. Overall, he just wanted people to be happy and enjoy the sport of hockey, “This is Mr. Snider’s team. This is the Philadelphia Flyers. We’re going to work hard to honor that. To get out there for him. He did a lot for all of us, so we’re not going to lose sight of that,” Keith Jones said back in May.
Thank you Ed Snider, thanks for bringing hockey to Philadelphia. Happy birthday
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