Flyers Hall of Fame Voting Should Exhibit Organization’s Class

The nominees for the 2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame inductions were announced through the team’s official website on Tuesday.

Simon Gagne, Paul Holmgren, Bob Kelly, Lou Nolan, Mark Recchi, and Rick Tocchet are all eligible to become the first inductee(s) since 2016. The voting committee is permitted to choose more than one inductee.

The most deserving nominees in terms of success on the ice are Gagne, Recchi, and Tocchet.

However, franchise governor Dave Scott’s emphasis on “historic contributions to the Flyers organization” should lead voters to prioritize Holmgren, Kelly, and Nolan in their decisions.

The Flyers built a prominent reputation over a long period of time under the direction of the late Ed Snider. They became known as an organization who took care of their own people for life. That identity has lessened in recent years since Snider’s passing, and the newest Hall of Fame inductees can signify a return of that reputation.

Flyers Organization Boasts Hall of Fame Worthy Candidates

The outstanding list of accomplishments by the six nominees will make it hard for voters to narrow in, especially after five years without a new member.

Flyers fans will never forget Gagne’s game-winning goal to complete the epic series comeback over the Boston Bruins in 2010 or his overtime winner in Game 6 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals.

They should acknowledge Recchi’s outstanding achievements as the 12th leading scorer in NHL history. They should also recognize Tocchet’s role as a core member of the 1980s Flyers team that were a perennial Cup contender.

It is fair to point out that all three players had significantly higher peaks during the prime of their careers than Holmgren and Kelly while also acknowledging the need for senior members of the organization to be paid their dues.

Flyers Should Enshrine Kelly, Holmgren, Nolan

Holmgren “served the Philadelphia Flyers in nearly every capacity for over 40 years.” His role as a player was focused on the hard nosed style of play that defined the older eras of the franchise more so than offensive prowess. However, his role as a Flyer for life needs to be recognized despite the fact that fans might still hold a distaste for his more recent work as an executive.

Bob “The Hound’ Kelly has furthered his contributions to the organization since his retirement from the NHL in 1982. His work in the local community, especially at Jimmy Watson’s local ice rinks in Delaware County, have been important in his role as an ambassador for the organization.

Nolan, now 75, is a public address announcer who never made contributions on the ice. However, according to the team’s official website, he has worked for the Flyers since 1967 when they began their inaugural season. His “Are you ready for some hockey?” call is synonymous with an opening faceoff at the home arena.

All three men have dedicated their lives to the Philadelphia Flyers, and they all deserve Hall of Fame inductions. The organization should work to preserve its image and character. While Gagne, Recchi, Tocchet, and many others deserve inductions down the line, the Flyers need to recognize seasoned, classy figures like Holmgren, Kelly, and Nolan as a priority of a reputable organization.