PHILADELPHIA – Hard to imagine that the Philadelphia Flyers have been contenders in the National Hockey League the last few years. If you watch social media these days one might be forgiven if the impression was just the opposite. Flyers’ fans have used the recent free agency period as a reason to jump off the bandwagon and jump on the Holmgren-hating wagon.
How many seasons back was it that the Flyers battled the Chicago Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup?
Holmgren, 56, started with the Flyers in 1976-77 and was known for leaving everything on the ice each night. As a player, the 6′ 3″ 210 right winger, there was little that would intimidate him on or off the ice.
He was with the Flyers for eight years and as Flyers fans will recall in the 79-80 season he had 10 goals and 10 assists in the club’s run to the Cup that year
Holmgren was one of the only US-born (St Paul, MN) players to score a hat trick in a Stanley Cup Final game in 1980 and also played in an NHL ALL Star Game in 1981
After retiring, Holmgren returned to Philadelphia to become Director of Pro Scouting 1995-96 then became the Director of Player Personnel in 1996-97.
He was then named Assistant General Manager the following season to support GM Bob Clarke.
When Clarke stepped down in the 2006-07 season Holmgren was named GM of the Philadelphia Flyers and with help owner Ed Snyder, Bob Clarke, Peter Laviolette and he have done a solid job in pushing the Flyers to a perennial position of dominance in the NHL.
An effort they all hope will culminate in another Stanley Cup run.
That effort ought to be recognized by the Flyers faithful but regrettably it is not. Seemingly, the Philadelphia fans are looking for more and they want it now not later and have singled out Holmgren for their ire.
Holmgren has stamped his own philosophy on the roster and the result is a stronger, tougher club to deal with the likes of the Rangers, Penguins, and Devils in their division. He took no prisoners as a player and has demonstrated that same toughness in the front office. Flyers fans would do well to be patient and watch his team develop. Comment@prohockeynews.com
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