Whether you're a Philadelphian who has grown up seeing the orange and black live on Broad Street or a casual fan who has seen some games here and there, chances are you've heard several key voices as you watch the Flyers.
For some, these voices have been present for several generations. Just like the smell of crab fries reminds you of going to the Wells Fargo Center (now Xfinity Mobile Arena), the sounds of Flyers radio/television broadcasts likely provide a bit of nostalgia for many.
With that being said, 3 distinct voices hold a substantial place in the hearts of many Flyers fans, regardless of their age.
Lou Nolan: Public Address Announcer
If you've ever attended a game at the home arena of the Philadelphia Flyers, you've heard the voice of Lou Nolan echo amongst thousands of fans wearing orange and black. The public address announcer for the Flyers has been the "man on the mic" since 1972. He has been involved in over 2,000 Flyers' contests, including NHL All-Star games, Stanley Cup Finals, and even games against the Red Army in 1976 and 1990.
Whether it be announcing goals, penalties, or post-game stars, Lou's voice has become an instrumental component of the in-game experience for everyone spending their time and money witnessing a Flyers game in person. To the relief of many multi-generational Flyers fans, it doesn't appear he will be stepping away from the microphone in the foreseeable future, even at the age of 79.
Lauren Hart: Anthem Vocalist
Once voted the #1 Anthemist in the NHL according to a 2005 Hockey News Poll, Lauren Hart has been tasked with singing both the American and, oftentimes, Canadian National Anthems before Flyers home games. Daughter of Gene Hart (former Flyers legendary broadcaster), Hart has become a staple in the ears of Flyers' fans since 1997. Her cathartic renderings of both anthems exude patriotism in every sense of the word. Her musical prowess has withstood the test of time, as she has exhilarated fans before the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park, and the 2019 Stadium Series at Lincoln Financial Field.
Perhaps some of Hart's most memorable moments have been her "God Bless America" video duets with Kate Smith (former Flyers' anthem singer during the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 1974/1975). Sadly, the orange and black's exemplary playoff runs have been few and far between since their league-wide dominance has dwindled over the past several decades. Even so, Philadelphians are hoping Matvei Michkov and company can allow Lauren Hart to serenade them for many more playoff games in the near and distant future.
Jim Jackson: NBC Sports Philadelphia Broadcaster
As so many affectionately call him "JJ", Jim Jackson has been the play-by-play voice of the orange and black since 1993, when he replaced the beloved Gene Hart. Interestingly enough, Jackson served as the Flyers' radio broadcaster before he transitioned to television full-time in 1995. Whether he is calling a game with Keith Jones or Brian Boucher, JJ's voice has likely been heard throughout thousands of living rooms in the Philadelphia area (and beyond).
Few men epitomize the meaning of the word "charisma", but Jackson surely does. His instantaneous ability to read on-ice plays occurring in real time while also predicting where the puck is headed next proves that he is truly doing what he was born to do. Whether it be his innate ability to exude excitement, uncertainty, or convey on-ice momentum, JJ is simply the best in the business.