The Philadelphia Flyers: Not Named After a Particularly Agile Bird (But Maybe They Should Be)
Ah, the Philadelphia Flyers. A team known for their grit, their speed, and...well, let's be honest, sometimes their penalty minutes. But have you ever stopped to wonder where this fearsome (and sometimes feathery?) name came from? Buckle up, hockey fans (and ornithology enthusiasts?), because we're about to take a dive into the not-so-mysterious, yet oddly delightful origin story of the Flyers.
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| What Are The Philadelphia Flyers Named After |
From Brainstorming to Broad Street:
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Back in 1966, Philadelphia was gearing up for a brand new NHL team. All they needed was a name, a logo (which, spoiler alert, involves a very cool flying P), and maybe a mascot that wasn't a terrifying hybrid of a bald eagle and Rocky Balboa (thank goodness). A "name-the-team" contest was announced, and ideas flooded in like pigeons to a cheesesteak stand (that's a metaphor, folks, pigeons are not big cheesesteak fans). But then, a twist straighter out of a M. Night Shyamalan movie (because, you know, Philadelphia): Ed Snider, one of the team's founders, was brainstorming with his family when his sister, Phyllis, casually dropped the name "Flyers."
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Simple Yet Soaring:
Now, Phyllis wasn't suggesting the team be named after, you know, actual flyers (though with those ice skates, they do seem to defy gravity sometimes). The name captured the fast-paced nature of hockey, the alliteration was delightful, and it was short and memorable. Ed Snider liked it so much, he decided to ditch the whole contest and just...go with it. Sorry to all those aspiring nine-year-old team namers out there, but Phyllis stole the show (and rightfully so).
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So, the Flyers Aren't Named After Birds?
Technically, no. But hey, with their lightning-fast speed and tendency to take flight over the boards (okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration), you could argue they embody the spirit of a fearless avian predator. Maybe they should consider a rebrand with a majestic bald eagle mascot soaring over the Philly skyline. Just a suggestion.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
FAQ: Flyers Fun Facts
How to get to a Flyers game? - Hop on the Broad Street Line (or hitch a ride on a giant Gritty head).
How to celebrate a Flyers win? - Cheesesteaks and celebratory high-fives (with gloves on, of course, safety first!).
How to impress a Flyers fan? - Knowing the lyrics to "Kate" by Kate Smith is a good start.
How to deal with a Flyers loss? - There's always next game (and maybe some soft pretzels to drown your sorrows).
How to know if you're a Flyers fan? - If you bleed orange and black and your spirit animal is a slightly grumpy but determined bald eagle, then congratulations, you're one of them!
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