50 years in the making, we’re ready for our 50th Anniversary season! pic.twitter.com/CNE1wMOaNR
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 10, 2016
On Feb. 9, 1966, the Philadelphia Flyers were born as Ed Snider got the call that Philadelphia had been awarded an NHL franchise. Tuesday marked the 50th anniversary of that call and the birth of the team that would later go on to be named the Flyers and debut in the 1967-68 season.
The Flyers will mark their 50th anniversary season in the 2016-17 season and have some big plans for the year, many of which are being unveiled during Tuesday's game against the Ducks.
At a pregame ceremony, featuring Hall of Famers Mark Howe, Bill Barber, Bernie Parent and Bobby Clarke as well as the widow of Flyers Hall of Famer Barry Ashbee, the Flyers unveiled their 50th anniversary logo which will be on display throughout the upcoming season.
As part of the Flyers initial plans, there are several special commemorative events to take place during the next season.
As part of the "Second Six," the Flyers are marking their 50th anniversary with three other NHL teams — the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues. The Minnesota North Stars, now known as the Dallas Stars, and the California Golden Seals, a now defunct club, were the other two teams introduced for the 1967-68 season.
In conjunction with those anniversaries, the Flyers will host an alumni game with the Penguins at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers alumni are a very active part of the community and just this past weekend held a very successful alumni game in Reading. An official date and ticket information will be announced later.
The Flyers are also unveil a new alternate jersey specially created for the 50th anniversary season. A teaser for the jersey will be shown during Tuesday's game and the official unveiling and game schedule for when it will be worn will be announced at a later date.
The Flyers are also holding five special Heritage Nights during the 2016-17 season. Opening Night will be a celebration of 50 years of Flyers hockey and honor the Flyers Hall of Famers. Other nights include Captains Night, Goalies Night, Tough Guys Night and Playoff Heroes Night.
A special edition commemorative 50th Anniversary book will be released during the season and season ticket holders can get special benefits for purchasing for the 2016-17 season.
There will be so much more to come in this special season honoring Flyers hockey.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
