Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union have signed former Major League Soccer Defender of the Year finalist Bakary Soumare.
Originally drafted by the Chicago Fire in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Soumare comes to the Union from French side US Boulogne. The center back will be eligible to play for the Union in Saturday’s game against the Houston Dynamo. Per MLS and Club policy, terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
The Union made a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, giving the Union the top spot in the MLS allocation ranking and Vancouver’s Second Round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. In exchange, the Union parted with their first-round selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, the club’s 12th position in the league’s allocation ranking, as well as allocation money. Per league and club policy, the amount of allocation money was not disclosed.
A 2008 MLS Defender of the Year finalist, Soumare excelled as a central defender for the Chicago Fire in 2008 and 2009 after originally being drafted out of the University of Virginia as a defensive midfielder. He played in 63 games for the Fire, earning the club’s Defender of the Year title in 2008, a spot in the MLS Best IX and helped the squad to the Western Conference Finals. In 2009, he was named to the MLS All-Star team, replacing Brian Ching.
In August of 2009, Soumare was transferred to French First Division side Boulogne. The 6-foot-4 native of Mali became a regular for Boulogne, appearing in 65 games and occasionally serving as captain. In January of 2012, he was loaned to German club Karlsruher SC, where he made seven appearances.
Soumare has been capped by Mali 13 times since deciding to play for his native country in 2008. He has played in a string of World Cup qualifying matches and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Philadelphia 76ers 2012 Draft Preview
By John McMullen
Philadelphia sports plenty of youth and depth in the backcourt, but needs help up front since center Spencer Hawes is an unrestricted free agent, and veteran power forward Elton Brand is on his last legs and a candidate for amnesty.
The Sixers brought in North Carolina teammates Tyler Zeller and John Henson, Mississippi State's Arnett Moultrie, Baylor's Perry Jones III, St. Bonaventure's Andrew Nicholson and Kentucky's Terrence Jones over the weekend, foreshadowing their thinking. The team will also be looking at Illinois big man Meyers Leonard on Tuesday.
Zeller and Henson as well as Leonard will likely both be gone by the time the Sixers pick at No. 15 but the others, along with Ohio State's Jared Sullinger, could be available.
The Sixers should absolutely roll the dice on Jones, a boom or bust type who is a top five talent with an enormous upside but Moultrie is considered the safer selection.
Players under contract: G: Jrue Holiday; F/G: Andre Iguodala; G/F: Evan Turner; C/F: Nikola Vucevic; F: Thaddeus Young
Free Agents: C/F: Lavoy Allen (restricted); C: Tony Battie; F: Craig Brackins; F: Elton Brand (early termination option); C: Spencer Hawes; G: Jodie Meeks; (restricted); G: Xavier Silas (restricted); G: Lou Williams (early termination option); F/G: Sam Young (restricted)
Recent Draft History:
2011: Nikola Vucevic (16), Lavoy Allen (50)
2010: Evan Turner (2)
2009: Jrue Holiday (17)
2008: Marreese Speights (16)
2007: Thaddeus Young (12), Daequan Cook (21), Petteri Koponen (30), Kyrylo
Fesenko (38)
Draft picks: 1st round (15th overall), 2nd round (45th overall, 54th overall)
Philadelphia sports plenty of youth and depth in the backcourt, but needs help up front since center Spencer Hawes is an unrestricted free agent, and veteran power forward Elton Brand is on his last legs and a candidate for amnesty.
The Sixers brought in North Carolina teammates Tyler Zeller and John Henson, Mississippi State's Arnett Moultrie, Baylor's Perry Jones III, St. Bonaventure's Andrew Nicholson and Kentucky's Terrence Jones over the weekend, foreshadowing their thinking. The team will also be looking at Illinois big man Meyers Leonard on Tuesday.
Zeller and Henson as well as Leonard will likely both be gone by the time the Sixers pick at No. 15 but the others, along with Ohio State's Jared Sullinger, could be available.
The Sixers should absolutely roll the dice on Jones, a boom or bust type who is a top five talent with an enormous upside but Moultrie is considered the safer selection.
Players under contract: G: Jrue Holiday; F/G: Andre Iguodala; G/F: Evan Turner; C/F: Nikola Vucevic; F: Thaddeus Young
Free Agents: C/F: Lavoy Allen (restricted); C: Tony Battie; F: Craig Brackins; F: Elton Brand (early termination option); C: Spencer Hawes; G: Jodie Meeks; (restricted); G: Xavier Silas (restricted); G: Lou Williams (early termination option); F/G: Sam Young (restricted)
Recent Draft History:
2011: Nikola Vucevic (16), Lavoy Allen (50)
2010: Evan Turner (2)
2009: Jrue Holiday (17)
2008: Marreese Speights (16)
2007: Thaddeus Young (12), Daequan Cook (21), Petteri Koponen (30), Kyrylo
Fesenko (38)
Draft picks: 1st round (15th overall), 2nd round (45th overall, 54th overall)
Temple's Brown & McManus Named to CFPA Preseason Watch Lists
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (6/25/12) – The College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) have named two Temple football players to its 2012 preseason Watch Lists.
Senior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) has been named to the All-Purpose Trophy Watch List. In addition to the backfield, the 5-5 Owl handles TU’s kickoff and punt returns.
Senior PK/P Brandon McManus (Hatfield, Pa.) is listed on two watch lists, for placekicker and at specialist.
CFPA honors players at each position weekly throughout the season. The official 2012 annual awards announcement is slated for January 9, 2013.
Brown played in all 13 games last season with three starts at running back. He finished second in team rushing with 916 yards and six touchdowns on 155 carries. The team’s top kickoff returner, he had 703 yards and a TD on 28 returns. At punt returner, he led TU with 182 yards on 18 returns on the season.
Temple’s placekicker for three seasons, McManus took over punting duties in 2011. In 13 games, McManus was second in team scoring with 98 points. He led the MAC with a perfect 50-of-50 in PATs. McManus punted 46 times for 2,105 yards. Fifteen of those 46 landed inside the 20, while 16 were longer than 50 yards. McManus earned national specialist honors seven times during the season.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Steve Addazio, this season’s squad returns 35 lettermen, including nine starters.
Temple opens the 2012 season with Villanova in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, on Friday, August 31 at Lincoln Financial Field at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
Senior RB Matt Brown (Baltimore, Md.) has been named to the All-Purpose Trophy Watch List. In addition to the backfield, the 5-5 Owl handles TU’s kickoff and punt returns.
Senior PK/P Brandon McManus (Hatfield, Pa.) is listed on two watch lists, for placekicker and at specialist.
CFPA honors players at each position weekly throughout the season. The official 2012 annual awards announcement is slated for January 9, 2013.
Brown played in all 13 games last season with three starts at running back. He finished second in team rushing with 916 yards and six touchdowns on 155 carries. The team’s top kickoff returner, he had 703 yards and a TD on 28 returns. At punt returner, he led TU with 182 yards on 18 returns on the season.
Temple’s placekicker for three seasons, McManus took over punting duties in 2011. In 13 games, McManus was second in team scoring with 98 points. He led the MAC with a perfect 50-of-50 in PATs. McManus punted 46 times for 2,105 yards. Fifteen of those 46 landed inside the 20, while 16 were longer than 50 yards. McManus earned national specialist honors seven times during the season.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Steve Addazio, this season’s squad returns 35 lettermen, including nine starters.
Temple opens the 2012 season with Villanova in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, on Friday, August 31 at Lincoln Financial Field at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
Soul shuts off Power
PHILADELPHIA (June 24, 2012) – The Eastern Division Champion, Philadelphia Soul (12-3), led by record-breaking performances from quarterback Dan Raudabaugh and defensive lineman Bryan Robinson, shut down the Pittsburgh Power, 69-34, in front of 9,760 fans at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
Raudabaugh tallied his 94th touchdown pass this season, breaking the franchise record for most passing touchdowns in a season (90). He finished by connecting on 22-of-31 passes for 268 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. Raudabaugh earned National Guard MVP honors for his performance.
Robinson, who recorded a sack and 1.5 total tackles, recorded his League record-setting seventh blocked kick of the season and earned AFL Playmaker of the Game.
“It was a slow start, but we rallied and got re-focused by the second quarter,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank. “Defensively, we got a lot of stops early and our offense came together in the second half. It was the type of team effort that helps us build character as we head toward the playoffs.”
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, Tiger Jones, had nine receptions for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Donovan Morgan added six receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, while Jeff Hughley finished with four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. Larry Brackins and Greg Ryan also added touchdown catches in the victory.
Defensively, Rayshaun Kizer had two interceptions and 5.0 tackles while Joe Goosby added 8.5 tackles. Brandon Perkins and T.J. Langley each recorded a sack in the win.
Pittsburgh’s QB Bryan Randall connected 27-of-43 passes for 333 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. WR Oderick Turner had nine receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns and Michael Washington had seven receptions for 107 yards.
Turner scored the first touchdown of the game after Chris LeFlore intercepted Raudabaugh’s would-be-touchdown pass to Ross. Soul responded shortly after when Jones scored a 28-yard touchdown. After impressive defense from both teams, including Pittsburgh’s interception and two sacks by the Soul, the first quarter ended with the score tied 7-7.
Second quarter scoring began with Randall’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Jackson. Philadelphia fought back, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Raudabaugh to Brackins followed by a 9-yard touchdown run by Morgan. With less than a minute left in the second quarter, Kizer intercepted Randall’s pass to Moqut Ruffins and ran for 41-yards leaving the Soul just four yards short of a touchdown. Raudabaugh’s 4-yard pass to Morgan ended the first half with the Soul leading 27-13.
Soul maintained the lead throughout the third quarter with a touchdown by offensive lineman Greg Ryan, a 19-yard touchdown reception by Jones, and a 33-yard over-the-wall touchdown reception by Hughley. Randall’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Turner gave Pittsburgh their only points of the third and it came to an end with Philadelphia leading 48-20.
Soul outscored the Power 21-14 in the fourth quarter, sealing the Philadelphia victory and ending the game with a final score of 69-34.
The Soul will face the Tampa Bay Storm next Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Arena. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on UStream at www.ustream.tv/philadelphiasoul.
Raudabaugh tallied his 94th touchdown pass this season, breaking the franchise record for most passing touchdowns in a season (90). He finished by connecting on 22-of-31 passes for 268 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. Raudabaugh earned National Guard MVP honors for his performance.
Robinson, who recorded a sack and 1.5 total tackles, recorded his League record-setting seventh blocked kick of the season and earned AFL Playmaker of the Game.
“It was a slow start, but we rallied and got re-focused by the second quarter,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank. “Defensively, we got a lot of stops early and our offense came together in the second half. It was the type of team effort that helps us build character as we head toward the playoffs.”
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, Tiger Jones, had nine receptions for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Donovan Morgan added six receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, while Jeff Hughley finished with four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. Larry Brackins and Greg Ryan also added touchdown catches in the victory.
Defensively, Rayshaun Kizer had two interceptions and 5.0 tackles while Joe Goosby added 8.5 tackles. Brandon Perkins and T.J. Langley each recorded a sack in the win.
Pittsburgh’s QB Bryan Randall connected 27-of-43 passes for 333 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. WR Oderick Turner had nine receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns and Michael Washington had seven receptions for 107 yards.
Turner scored the first touchdown of the game after Chris LeFlore intercepted Raudabaugh’s would-be-touchdown pass to Ross. Soul responded shortly after when Jones scored a 28-yard touchdown. After impressive defense from both teams, including Pittsburgh’s interception and two sacks by the Soul, the first quarter ended with the score tied 7-7.
Second quarter scoring began with Randall’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Jackson. Philadelphia fought back, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Raudabaugh to Brackins followed by a 9-yard touchdown run by Morgan. With less than a minute left in the second quarter, Kizer intercepted Randall’s pass to Moqut Ruffins and ran for 41-yards leaving the Soul just four yards short of a touchdown. Raudabaugh’s 4-yard pass to Morgan ended the first half with the Soul leading 27-13.
Soul maintained the lead throughout the third quarter with a touchdown by offensive lineman Greg Ryan, a 19-yard touchdown reception by Jones, and a 33-yard over-the-wall touchdown reception by Hughley. Randall’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Turner gave Pittsburgh their only points of the third and it came to an end with Philadelphia leading 48-20.
Soul outscored the Power 21-14 in the fourth quarter, sealing the Philadelphia victory and ending the game with a final score of 69-34.
The Soul will face the Tampa Bay Storm next Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Arena. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on UStream at www.ustream.tv/philadelphiasoul.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Holmgren talks JVR deal
Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers
Q: This trade has been rumored for a while – did it just come about today?
“Obviously it was something in the wintertime that Brian and I discussed in theory, and then I think we both decided to just table it. It came up again yesterday and we talked about it. I believe it’s a good trade for both teams. It certainly fills a need for us and I think it fills a need for Brian’s team as well in terms of what they’re looking to do.”
Q: You guys had been rumored to be involved with a couple other big name players – does this shut the door on trades for another winger?
“I don’t think anything shuts the door on anything else we may look to do to improve the hockey team. We tried to improve our defense over the last few days, we looked for ways to try to improve it, and we think we did today. Obviously we gave up a good young winger in James, but we believe we got a good young defenseman, same age, back in Luke. As I said earlier I think it’s a real good trade for both teams.”
Q: Do you think this is a fresh start for JVR?
“Well, I don’t know about that. I think I’ve told you enough about how strongly I feel about James becoming a good player, and I believe he will become a very good player in our league. Unfortunately for us, I think it’s going to be for Toronto now. The guy we got coming back is going to fill needs on our team and is going to be a good young player on our team. So I think it’s a win-win.
Q: What does Luke Schenn bring to the Flyers?
He’s a young guy, he’s a right [handed] shot, he’s a big defenseman that plays physical and gritty, and he can move the puck. To get guys like this you’ve got to be piking high in the draft. It’s an opportunity for us… and obviously James was taken high in the draft too. It’s another reason I believe why it’s a good trade for both teams.
Q: How do you think this might affect Brayden Schenn?
“I don’t know. I know they’re very close, so I’ve got to believe it will be a positive thing for Brayden.”
Q: Have you talked to Luke yet?
“I did speak with Luke … he’d already talked to Brian, so the shock was probably over, but he seemed generally excited about a new chapter in his life.”
Q: This trade has been rumored for a while – did it just come about today?
“Obviously it was something in the wintertime that Brian and I discussed in theory, and then I think we both decided to just table it. It came up again yesterday and we talked about it. I believe it’s a good trade for both teams. It certainly fills a need for us and I think it fills a need for Brian’s team as well in terms of what they’re looking to do.”
Q: You guys had been rumored to be involved with a couple other big name players – does this shut the door on trades for another winger?
“I don’t think anything shuts the door on anything else we may look to do to improve the hockey team. We tried to improve our defense over the last few days, we looked for ways to try to improve it, and we think we did today. Obviously we gave up a good young winger in James, but we believe we got a good young defenseman, same age, back in Luke. As I said earlier I think it’s a real good trade for both teams.”
Q: Do you think this is a fresh start for JVR?
“Well, I don’t know about that. I think I’ve told you enough about how strongly I feel about James becoming a good player, and I believe he will become a very good player in our league. Unfortunately for us, I think it’s going to be for Toronto now. The guy we got coming back is going to fill needs on our team and is going to be a good young player on our team. So I think it’s a win-win.
Q: What does Luke Schenn bring to the Flyers?
He’s a young guy, he’s a right [handed] shot, he’s a big defenseman that plays physical and gritty, and he can move the puck. To get guys like this you’ve got to be piking high in the draft. It’s an opportunity for us… and obviously James was taken high in the draft too. It’s another reason I believe why it’s a good trade for both teams.
Q: How do you think this might affect Brayden Schenn?
“I don’t know. I know they’re very close, so I’ve got to believe it will be a positive thing for Brayden.”
Q: Have you talked to Luke yet?
“I did speak with Luke … he’d already talked to Brian, so the shock was probably over, but he seemed generally excited about a new chapter in his life.”
Union explode in 4-0 win over Sporting KC
Chester, Pa. --
Behind two goals from Jack McInerney
followed by insurance tallies from Lionard Pajoy and Antoine Hoppenot,
the Union earned their first points of the John Hackworth era, topping
Sporting KC 4-0 Saturday night at PPL Park. McInerney struck on loose
balls in the first and 43rd minutes, while Pajoy
and Hoppenot added second-half goals to lift Philadelphia to their
first league win in over two months.
It was a dream start for the Union, who entered the game averaging an MLS-worst 0.67 goals per game. Moments into the contest, Ray Gaddis whipped a dangerous cross to the far post where a crashing Pajoy had too tight of an angle to finish but managed to keep the ball alive. Pajoy's touch put the ball just a few yards in front of Jimmy Nielsen's goal, and McInerney beat the Kansas City goalkeeper to the ball to bury a shot into the top of the net.
Coming off a midweek game in Seattle, Sporting Kansas City gradually overcame the slow start, ultimately winning the first half possession battle. But despite seeing more of the ball in the opening stanza, Kansas City managed only one shot on goal, a soft header by Kamara that floated into the arms of Zac MacMath. Sporting KC threatened in the 27th minute, but Bunbary's header from a Myers cross sailed over the bar.
Minutes before halftime, McInerney struck again. Freddy Adu put a free kick into the danger area, where a lunging Carlos Valdes deflected the ball on goal. Nielsen made the initial save, but McInerney was there to put in the rebound for a 2-0 advantage.
McInerney, who came off in a 72nd minute substitution, exited the field to a booming ovation from 18,207 strong at PPL Park.
The Union added an insurance goal in the 81st minute on a Pajoy penalty kick. Antoine Hoppenot sprung free, beat his man with a cut back move and drew the foul in the box. Pajoy sent Nielsen diving in the wrong direction and buried his spot kick to put the Union up 3-0.
Hoppenot was rewarded for his efforts with a goal of his own in the 87th minute, when a ball over the top sent the striker in behind the Sporting Kansas City back line. Hoppenot, who missed a previous chip attempt high, lofted the ball over Nielsen for the fourth Union goal and the first of his MLS career.
For the Union, it was the second straight game shutting down one of the Eastern Conference's most explosive attacks. This time, however, a stalwart defensive performance held for 90 minutes and was accompanied by an offensive explosion.
Philadelphia move to 3-8-2 with 11 points on the season. The club increased their goal total from eight to 12, while Zac MacMath logged his fourth shutout in MLS play. The Union return to action on Tuesday in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against the Harrisburg City Islanders at PPL Park.
It was a dream start for the Union, who entered the game averaging an MLS-worst 0.67 goals per game. Moments into the contest, Ray Gaddis whipped a dangerous cross to the far post where a crashing Pajoy had too tight of an angle to finish but managed to keep the ball alive. Pajoy's touch put the ball just a few yards in front of Jimmy Nielsen's goal, and McInerney beat the Kansas City goalkeeper to the ball to bury a shot into the top of the net.
Coming off a midweek game in Seattle, Sporting Kansas City gradually overcame the slow start, ultimately winning the first half possession battle. But despite seeing more of the ball in the opening stanza, Kansas City managed only one shot on goal, a soft header by Kamara that floated into the arms of Zac MacMath. Sporting KC threatened in the 27th minute, but Bunbary's header from a Myers cross sailed over the bar.
Minutes before halftime, McInerney struck again. Freddy Adu put a free kick into the danger area, where a lunging Carlos Valdes deflected the ball on goal. Nielsen made the initial save, but McInerney was there to put in the rebound for a 2-0 advantage.
McInerney, who came off in a 72nd minute substitution, exited the field to a booming ovation from 18,207 strong at PPL Park.
The Union added an insurance goal in the 81st minute on a Pajoy penalty kick. Antoine Hoppenot sprung free, beat his man with a cut back move and drew the foul in the box. Pajoy sent Nielsen diving in the wrong direction and buried his spot kick to put the Union up 3-0.
Hoppenot was rewarded for his efforts with a goal of his own in the 87th minute, when a ball over the top sent the striker in behind the Sporting Kansas City back line. Hoppenot, who missed a previous chip attempt high, lofted the ball over Nielsen for the fourth Union goal and the first of his MLS career.
For the Union, it was the second straight game shutting down one of the Eastern Conference's most explosive attacks. This time, however, a stalwart defensive performance held for 90 minutes and was accompanied by an offensive explosion.
Philadelphia move to 3-8-2 with 11 points on the season. The club increased their goal total from eight to 12, while Zac MacMath logged his fourth shutout in MLS play. The Union return to action on Tuesday in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against the Harrisburg City Islanders at PPL Park.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Flyers trade for another Schenn, bid goodbye to JVR
The Philadelphia Flyers remained active following the completion of the second day of the 2012 draft, acquiring defenseman Luke Schenn from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward James van Riemsdyk.
Van Riemsdyk totaled just 11 goals and 24 points in 43 games during an injury- plagued season last year on the heels of leading the club with seven goals in 11 postseason contests in the Spring of 2011.
Over his three-year tenure with the Orange and Black, van Riemsdyk tallied 47 goals and 99 points in 196 regular-season contests, adding 11 scores and 15 points in 39 playoff appearances.
Schenn, the fifth-overall pick of Toronto in the 2008 draft, picked up two goals and 20 assists in 79 games last year for the Leafs. The 22-year-old native of Saskatchewan has 75 points in 310 games for the franchise in the his four-year NHL career.
Luke's younger brother Brayden recorded 12 goals and 18 points in 54 regular- season games for Philly in 2011-12. The 20-year-old notched three goals and nine points over 11 playoff games.
Terry Murray on cusp of return to Flyers organization
With all standing between Terry Murray and a return to the Flyers organization is the right word from Kings general manager Dean Lombardi, it's nearly a lock that Murray will be behind another bench next season.
This time, it is expected to be with the Adirondack Phantoms of the AHL. The Phantoms have a vacancy created when Joe Paterson was fired shortly after the end of this past season.
Murray had been fired as head coach of the Kings on December 12 after LA started the year 13-12-4 and sported a paltry 2.21 goals-per-game.
The 61-year-old native of Shawville, Quebec previously served the Flyers organization as an assistant coach from 2004-08 before leaving to take the Kings' head coaching position, was a scout from 2001-03, head coach from 1994-97, and suited up as a defenseman with the franchise from 1975-77, 1978-79 and 1980-81.
Despite the good which emerged from Murray's tenure in Philadelphia, he will be best remembered for a misconstrued comment following Game 3 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals, where he admitted his club, down 0-3 in the series, was in a "choking situation."
The Flyers dropped Game 4 in Detroit, and Murray was dismissed just seven days later over what then-GM Bob Clarke cited as "an accumulation of problems that could not be resolved."
Aided by the rise to prominence of the "Legion of Doom" comprising Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg, Murray compiled a 118-64-30 regular-season record with a 28-18 playoff mark in three seasons here.
This time, it is expected to be with the Adirondack Phantoms of the AHL. The Phantoms have a vacancy created when Joe Paterson was fired shortly after the end of this past season.
Murray had been fired as head coach of the Kings on December 12 after LA started the year 13-12-4 and sported a paltry 2.21 goals-per-game.
The 61-year-old native of Shawville, Quebec previously served the Flyers organization as an assistant coach from 2004-08 before leaving to take the Kings' head coaching position, was a scout from 2001-03, head coach from 1994-97, and suited up as a defenseman with the franchise from 1975-77, 1978-79 and 1980-81.
Despite the good which emerged from Murray's tenure in Philadelphia, he will be best remembered for a misconstrued comment following Game 3 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals, where he admitted his club, down 0-3 in the series, was in a "choking situation."
The Flyers dropped Game 4 in Detroit, and Murray was dismissed just seven days later over what then-GM Bob Clarke cited as "an accumulation of problems that could not be resolved."
Aided by the rise to prominence of the "Legion of Doom" comprising Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg, Murray compiled a 118-64-30 regular-season record with a 28-18 playoff mark in three seasons here.
New Flyer Laughton talks
Following his selection with the Flyers' 20th overall pick in the draft on Friday night, new member of the organization Scott Laughton talked to local media:
Flyers win top PR award for Eastern Conference
Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers
The Professional Hockey Writers Association announced on Saturday that the Philadelphia Flyers have won the 2012 Dick Dillman Award, given annually to the team judged to have the best media relations department.
The Dillman Award honors the memory of the late Dick Dillman, who was a highly regarded public relations director for the former Minnesota North Stars.
The Flyers PR department is led by Senior Director of Public Relations Zack Hill. Joe Siville, Manger of Public Relations; Brian Smith, Manager of Broadcasting and Media Services; and Rebecca Goodman, the publicist, also make up the highly respected staff.
The PHWA presents Dillman awards to teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Nashville Predators have won the award for the Western Conference. The other finalists for the Eastern Conference were the the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes.
The Professional Hockey Writers Association announced on Saturday that the Philadelphia Flyers have won the 2012 Dick Dillman Award, given annually to the team judged to have the best media relations department.
The Dillman Award honors the memory of the late Dick Dillman, who was a highly regarded public relations director for the former Minnesota North Stars.
The Flyers PR department is led by Senior Director of Public Relations Zack Hill. Joe Siville, Manger of Public Relations; Brian Smith, Manager of Broadcasting and Media Services; and Rebecca Goodman, the publicist, also make up the highly respected staff.
The PHWA presents Dillman awards to teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Nashville Predators have won the award for the Western Conference. The other finalists for the Eastern Conference were the the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes.
Flyers draft recap Rounds 2-7
Day two of the NHL's entry draft bore more fruit for the Philadelphia Flyers, who selected the following players to complete the event:
Round 2, 45th pick: G Anthony Stolarz. Jackson, NJ 18 years old, Corpus Christi (NAHL)
Round 3, 78th pick: D Shayne Gostisbehere. Margate, FL 18 years old, Union College (ECAC)
Round 4, 111th pick: D Fredric Larsson. Karlstad, Sweden 17 years old, Brynas Jr.
Round 5, 141st pick: D Reece Willcox. Surrey, BC 18 years old, Merritt (BCHL)
Round 7, 201st pick: D Valeri Vasiliev. 18 years old, Spartak (Russian juniors)
Round 2, 45th pick: G Anthony Stolarz. Jackson, NJ 18 years old, Corpus Christi (NAHL)
Round 3, 78th pick: D Shayne Gostisbehere. Margate, FL 18 years old, Union College (ECAC)
Round 4, 111th pick: D Fredric Larsson. Karlstad, Sweden 17 years old, Brynas Jr.
Round 5, 141st pick: D Reece Willcox. Surrey, BC 18 years old, Merritt (BCHL)
Round 7, 201st pick: D Valeri Vasiliev. 18 years old, Spartak (Russian juniors)
Maynard tops Guida in UFC's return to Atlantic City
ATLANTIC CITY (The Phanatic Magazine) - The always energetic and unorthodox Clay Guida gave lightweight contender Gray Maynard all he could handle Friday but in the end the former Michigan State wrestling star earned a five-round split decision in the main event of UFC's return to the seaside resort at the new Revel Ovation Hall.
Guida frustrated Maynard without with a defensive style, using his vaunted movement skills to keep the favorite off balance. At one point in Round 4 Maynard dropped his hands and verbally challenged Guida to fight and "The Carpenter" responded with three punches that did little damage to Maynard. Guida then went for a takedown but Maynard caught him in a guillotine that nearly ended the fight before Guida escaped by lifting Maynard off the canvas and slamming him.
Two judges scored the bout 48-47 for Maynard with one using the same score for Guida. The Phanatic Magazine scored the bout 48-47 for Maynard.
"I thought Guida was coming to fight. His stuff got old in there," Maynard said. "I wanted to prove to people that I can do it. I came to fight tonight. I thought I won that fight fair and square and it wasn't a question. I want the belt back. I want to fight (Frankie) Edgar."
UFC President Dana White, however, might have different plans. Late in the Late in the second round, the always controversial White tweeted, "I thought it was impossible for this fight to suck. I WAS WRONG!!!!!!"
White was upset by Guida's stallling and Maynard's inability to cut off the cage and force the action.
"Thanks, Atlantic City," Maynard said to Jon Anik after the fight. "I know you guys like fighters, Arturo Gatti. I was trying to do the same."
In other bouts televised on FX lightweight Sam Stout earned a unanimous decision over Spencer Fisher, while veteran welterweight Brian Ebersole got the best of T.J. Waldburger, also by unanimous decision.
Fisher, who is taling about retirement, was able to damage Stout's right eye but couldn't handle his takedown game and lost on all three scorecards, 30-27.
Ebersole, meanwhile, started slowly, dropping the first round after nearly getting choked out before rebounding and earning the final two rounds by outstriking his opponent.
"I think ’I've proved I belong in the UFC. The choke in the first round wasn't that deep; I probably went red or purple but I always do," Ebersole said. "He only had one side of my neck and I could breath okay. I felt I took the final two rounds."
The highlight of the undercard saw featherweight Cub Swanson knock out Ross Pearson in the second round. Swanson first connected with a front kick that grazed Pearson followed by two right jabs and the left hook that put him down.
"I felt he didn’t respect my power. I could see I was hurting him in his facial expressions but he kept coming forward," Swanson said. "He’s always done that in fights thought, and he’s very strong, he knocked me off balance even with shots I was blocking. But I could see I was having an affect with my shots and I thought I could take him out."
Also, Ricardo Lamas upset featherweight contender Hatsi Hiroki by outpointing him; Rick Story gassed out in the third but had enough to beat Brock Jardine in a welterweight bout and Steven Siler choked out Joey Gambino in a featherweight encounter.
"I thought I won two to three rounds for sure. I know he got a takedown here and there but I was close to finishing him a bunch of times," Lamas said. "He’s very tough, that arm-in choke I had was in deep and he refused to tap. I had to let up a little because I was burning up my arm. But I knew I’d beaten him."
New Jersey native Nick Catone was dominating his middleweight bout with Chris Camozzi but a nasty cut over Catone's left eye forced referee Dan Miragliotta to stop things in the third round.
"I’m bummed out. I felt I won the first two rounds but he hit that knee and the sweat and blood was going into my eye," Catone said. "I thought the referee may stop it but I wanted to continue. I’m a little bummed out losing like that but my bad for getting a knee to the eye."
The card also featured New Jersey welterweight Dan Miller who choked out Ricardo Funch, Matt Brown KO'd Luis Ramos in another welterweight bout and Ken Stone outpointed Dustin Pague in a bantamweight bout.
Guida frustrated Maynard without with a defensive style, using his vaunted movement skills to keep the favorite off balance. At one point in Round 4 Maynard dropped his hands and verbally challenged Guida to fight and "The Carpenter" responded with three punches that did little damage to Maynard. Guida then went for a takedown but Maynard caught him in a guillotine that nearly ended the fight before Guida escaped by lifting Maynard off the canvas and slamming him.
Two judges scored the bout 48-47 for Maynard with one using the same score for Guida. The Phanatic Magazine scored the bout 48-47 for Maynard.
"I thought Guida was coming to fight. His stuff got old in there," Maynard said. "I wanted to prove to people that I can do it. I came to fight tonight. I thought I won that fight fair and square and it wasn't a question. I want the belt back. I want to fight (Frankie) Edgar."
UFC President Dana White, however, might have different plans. Late in the Late in the second round, the always controversial White tweeted, "I thought it was impossible for this fight to suck. I WAS WRONG!!!!!!"
White was upset by Guida's stallling and Maynard's inability to cut off the cage and force the action.
"Thanks, Atlantic City," Maynard said to Jon Anik after the fight. "I know you guys like fighters, Arturo Gatti. I was trying to do the same."
In other bouts televised on FX lightweight Sam Stout earned a unanimous decision over Spencer Fisher, while veteran welterweight Brian Ebersole got the best of T.J. Waldburger, also by unanimous decision.
Fisher, who is taling about retirement, was able to damage Stout's right eye but couldn't handle his takedown game and lost on all three scorecards, 30-27.
Ebersole, meanwhile, started slowly, dropping the first round after nearly getting choked out before rebounding and earning the final two rounds by outstriking his opponent.
"I think ’I've proved I belong in the UFC. The choke in the first round wasn't that deep; I probably went red or purple but I always do," Ebersole said. "He only had one side of my neck and I could breath okay. I felt I took the final two rounds."
The highlight of the undercard saw featherweight Cub Swanson knock out Ross Pearson in the second round. Swanson first connected with a front kick that grazed Pearson followed by two right jabs and the left hook that put him down.
"I felt he didn’t respect my power. I could see I was hurting him in his facial expressions but he kept coming forward," Swanson said. "He’s always done that in fights thought, and he’s very strong, he knocked me off balance even with shots I was blocking. But I could see I was having an affect with my shots and I thought I could take him out."
Also, Ricardo Lamas upset featherweight contender Hatsi Hiroki by outpointing him; Rick Story gassed out in the third but had enough to beat Brock Jardine in a welterweight bout and Steven Siler choked out Joey Gambino in a featherweight encounter.
"I thought I won two to three rounds for sure. I know he got a takedown here and there but I was close to finishing him a bunch of times," Lamas said. "He’s very tough, that arm-in choke I had was in deep and he refused to tap. I had to let up a little because I was burning up my arm. But I knew I’d beaten him."
New Jersey native Nick Catone was dominating his middleweight bout with Chris Camozzi but a nasty cut over Catone's left eye forced referee Dan Miragliotta to stop things in the third round.
"I’m bummed out. I felt I won the first two rounds but he hit that knee and the sweat and blood was going into my eye," Catone said. "I thought the referee may stop it but I wanted to continue. I’m a little bummed out losing like that but my bad for getting a knee to the eye."
The card also featured New Jersey welterweight Dan Miller who choked out Ricardo Funch, Matt Brown KO'd Luis Ramos in another welterweight bout and Ken Stone outpointed Dustin Pague in a bantamweight bout.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Sandusky guilty on a majority of counts
Bellefonte, PA - Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was found guilty Friday
night on 45 of the 48 counts charging him with sexual abuse against 10 boys over
a 15-year period.
The verdict was reached at the end of the second day of jury deliberations and came more than seven months after Sandusky was first arrested in the case that rocked Penn State and cast a pall over the area linked so firmly to the university.
Applause was heard outside the courtroom as word spread of the verdict after court was adjourned shortly after 10 p.m. (et) local time.
Sandusky denied the charges that he systematically groomed victims through his Second Mile charity.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly called Sandusky "a serial child predator" who "has been held accountable for his crimes" while defense attorney Joe Amendola said the verdict didn't prove his client was sick or guilty, saying there were a lot of innocent people in jail around the country.
Bail has been revoked and the 68-year-old has been remanded into custody at the Centre County Sheriff's Office.
Late on Friday, the university issued a statement regarding the verdict.
"Today Penn State learned that a verdict was reached in the case of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Gerald Sandusky. Mr. Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of the 48 charges filed against him.
The legal process has spoken and we have tremendous respect for the men who came forward to tell their stories publicly. No verdict can undo the pain and suffering caused by Mr. Sandusky, but we do hope this judgment helps the victims and their families along their path to healing.
The Board of Trustees and current administration maintain a steadfast commitment to pursuing the truth regarding Mr. Sandusky’s actions. While we cannot change what happened, we can and do accept the responsibility to take action on the societal issue of child sexual abuse—both in our community and beyond.
The University is committed to ensuring that our campuses are safe for children and to being a constructive participant in building greater awareness of child sexual abuse and the practical steps that can be undertaken to prevent, report and respond to such abuse.
The University has already established a confidential counseling process for victims of Mr. Sandusky’s conduct, and that process remains open. While counseling is critical, some victims have sought and continue to seek a direct dialogue with the University to discuss the University's responsibility for Mr. Sandusky's actions
Now that the jury has spoken, the University wants to continue that dialogue and do its part to help victims continue their path forward. To that end, the University plans to invite victims of Mr. Sandusky’s abuse to participate in a program to facilitate the resolution of claims against the University arising out of Mr. Sandusky's conduct.
The purpose of the program is simple – the University wants to provide a forum where the University can privately, expeditiously and fairly address the victims' concerns and compensate them for claims relating to the University. Counsel to the University plan to reach out to counsel to the victims of Mr. Sandusky’s abuse in the near future with additional details."
The verdict was reached at the end of the second day of jury deliberations and came more than seven months after Sandusky was first arrested in the case that rocked Penn State and cast a pall over the area linked so firmly to the university.
Applause was heard outside the courtroom as word spread of the verdict after court was adjourned shortly after 10 p.m. (et) local time.
Sandusky denied the charges that he systematically groomed victims through his Second Mile charity.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly called Sandusky "a serial child predator" who "has been held accountable for his crimes" while defense attorney Joe Amendola said the verdict didn't prove his client was sick or guilty, saying there were a lot of innocent people in jail around the country.
Bail has been revoked and the 68-year-old has been remanded into custody at the Centre County Sheriff's Office.
Late on Friday, the university issued a statement regarding the verdict.
"Today Penn State learned that a verdict was reached in the case of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Gerald Sandusky. Mr. Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of the 48 charges filed against him.
The legal process has spoken and we have tremendous respect for the men who came forward to tell their stories publicly. No verdict can undo the pain and suffering caused by Mr. Sandusky, but we do hope this judgment helps the victims and their families along their path to healing.
The Board of Trustees and current administration maintain a steadfast commitment to pursuing the truth regarding Mr. Sandusky’s actions. While we cannot change what happened, we can and do accept the responsibility to take action on the societal issue of child sexual abuse—both in our community and beyond.
The University is committed to ensuring that our campuses are safe for children and to being a constructive participant in building greater awareness of child sexual abuse and the practical steps that can be undertaken to prevent, report and respond to such abuse.
The University has already established a confidential counseling process for victims of Mr. Sandusky’s conduct, and that process remains open. While counseling is critical, some victims have sought and continue to seek a direct dialogue with the University to discuss the University's responsibility for Mr. Sandusky's actions
Now that the jury has spoken, the University wants to continue that dialogue and do its part to help victims continue their path forward. To that end, the University plans to invite victims of Mr. Sandusky’s abuse to participate in a program to facilitate the resolution of claims against the University arising out of Mr. Sandusky's conduct.
The purpose of the program is simple – the University wants to provide a forum where the University can privately, expeditiously and fairly address the victims' concerns and compensate them for claims relating to the University. Counsel to the University plan to reach out to counsel to the victims of Mr. Sandusky’s abuse in the near future with additional details."
Flyers select Laughton in first round
With the 20th pick in the first round of Friday's NHL draft, the Philadelphia Flyers surprised many by taking forward Scott Laughton from Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League.
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren made the selection amidst steady, vociferous booing from the clearly partisal Pittsburgh crowd, which arose as soon as Philadelphia was named the next team to make a selection.
"We really like Scott. I've seen him play a couple of times and he kind of reminds me a little bit of Mike Richards, a little bit of Adam Henrique; he's a good, solid, hard-nosed two-way player," Holmgren said after the pick.
Laughton, who turned 18 on May 30, completed his second season in Canadian juniors with 21 goals, 53 points and 101 penalty minutes in 64 regular-season games. He added five points (2G, 3A) in six playoff contests for the Generals.
A defensive-oriented center, Laughton finished fifth in overall points, sixth in goals and third in penalty minutes as Oshawa, which finished third in the East Division, lost in the first round of the OHL playoffs.
Over his three years in Ontario-based hockey programs, the 6-foot, 170-pounder from the Toronto suburbs has totaled 33 goals and 76 points with 163 PIMs in 129 games.
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren made the selection amidst steady, vociferous booing from the clearly partisal Pittsburgh crowd, which arose as soon as Philadelphia was named the next team to make a selection.
"We really like Scott. I've seen him play a couple of times and he kind of reminds me a little bit of Mike Richards, a little bit of Adam Henrique; he's a good, solid, hard-nosed two-way player," Holmgren said after the pick.
Laughton, who turned 18 on May 30, completed his second season in Canadian juniors with 21 goals, 53 points and 101 penalty minutes in 64 regular-season games. He added five points (2G, 3A) in six playoff contests for the Generals.
A defensive-oriented center, Laughton finished fifth in overall points, sixth in goals and third in penalty minutes as Oshawa, which finished third in the East Division, lost in the first round of the OHL playoffs.
Over his three years in Ontario-based hockey programs, the 6-foot, 170-pounder from the Toronto suburbs has totaled 33 goals and 76 points with 163 PIMs in 129 games.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (6/22/12) – Celebrate Temple Football Night at with the Philadelphia Soul on Sunday, June 24.
Featuring Temple alumnus QB Adam DiMichele (2006-08), the Soul host the Pittsburgh Power at 6 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center.
In addition to the
exciting arena football game, fans can meet Temple Spirit Squad members
and Hooter the Owl at the game. Plus, sign up on the concourse for a
chance to win awesome Temple Football "experience" packages.
Proceeds
from ticket sales will benefit the Edberg-Olson Football Expansion
Project. Tickets start as low as $28. To order, or for more
information on special VIP and Field Zone Packages at the Soul game,
call 215-253-4900, ext. 3 or order online at http://www.philadelphiasoul.
Temple
opens the 2012 season with Villanova in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup,
sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, on Friday, August 31 at Lincoln Financial
Field at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
Union will host U.S. Open Cup Seminfinals game
CHICAGO
– The Philadelphia Union have won the bid to host the Lamar Hunt
U.S. Open Cup Seminfinals at PPL Park, U.S. Soccer announced today.
A Union victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders in the quarterfinals on Tuesday night will pit the club against the winner of the Sporting Kansas City/Dayton Lions match-up in the semifinals on either July 10th or 11th at 7:30 p.m.
“Winning the bid to host the semifinal round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is very important to us,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “We are definitely not looking past Harrisburg but if we advance, we wanted to make sure that we had the opportunity to play at home in front of our fans. Home field advantage is very important in our quest to win our first ever trophy and secure a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League Tournament.”
The remaining eight-team field consists of five MLS (Division I) teams – three-time defending champion Seattle Sounders FC, Chivas USA, the Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City. The other three organizations represent USL PRO (Division III) – the Charlotte Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions and Harrisburg City Islanders, which are shooting for their third straight win against an MLS side when they visit the in-state Union at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
Union season ticket holders have one last chance to purchase tickets to the Quarterfinals game against Harrisburg and get FREE tickets to the US Open Cup Semi-finals at PPL Park.
A Union victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders in the quarterfinals on Tuesday night will pit the club against the winner of the Sporting Kansas City/Dayton Lions match-up in the semifinals on either July 10th or 11th at 7:30 p.m.
“Winning the bid to host the semifinal round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is very important to us,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “We are definitely not looking past Harrisburg but if we advance, we wanted to make sure that we had the opportunity to play at home in front of our fans. Home field advantage is very important in our quest to win our first ever trophy and secure a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League Tournament.”
The remaining eight-team field consists of five MLS (Division I) teams – three-time defending champion Seattle Sounders FC, Chivas USA, the Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City. The other three organizations represent USL PRO (Division III) – the Charlotte Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions and Harrisburg City Islanders, which are shooting for their third straight win against an MLS side when they visit the in-state Union at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
Union season ticket holders have one last chance to purchase tickets to the Quarterfinals game against Harrisburg and get FREE tickets to the US Open Cup Semi-finals at PPL Park.
Eagles sell out single-game season tickets
The Eagles have announced that they sold out all of their single-game tickets for the upcoming 2012 season.
“We are overwhelmed by the support that Eagles fans show for their team every day," Eagles President Don Smolenski said. "The fact that our team gets to play in front of sell-out crowds is a testament to Philadelphia’s passion for the Eagles. We thank those fans for their dedication and we are just as excited as they are for the start of the 2012 season.”
“We are overwhelmed by the support that Eagles fans show for their team every day," Eagles President Don Smolenski said. "The fact that our team gets to play in front of sell-out crowds is a testament to Philadelphia’s passion for the Eagles. We thank those fans for their dedication and we are just as excited as they are for the start of the 2012 season.”
Eagles bring in DT on the heels of Atogwe signing
The Eagles have signed
rookie free agent DT Tevita Finau and waived DE Maurice
Fountain with an injury settlement.
The moves come on the heels of the Eagles signing veteran safety O.J. Atogwe to a one-year deal earlier in the week. To make room on the 90-man roster for Atogwe, the team released LS Matt Camilli.
Atogwe
(5-foot-11, 205) has amassed 520 tackles, 25 interceptions, 5.5 sacks and 19
forced fumbles in his seven-year NFL career. Since entering the league
as a 3rd round draft choice of the St. Louis Rams in 2005,
Atogwe’s interception total ranks eighth in the NFL and third among all
safeties, including an NFC-best eight in 2007.
After
spending his first six seasons as a member of the Rams (2005-10),
Atogwe joined the Washington Redskins in 2011, and played in 13 games,
recording 66 tackles and three interceptions. A native of Windsor,
Ontario, the 30-year-old Atogwe played collegiately at Stanford and also
ran track while majoring in biological sciences.
“O.J.
will bring us veteran, quality depth at the safety position,” said
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “We feel good about the young
safeties we have on our roster, but our goal is to have the most
competition possible at all of our positions as we head into training
camp. O.J.’s presence will help to enhance that for the safety group. He
is an accomplished player in this league and we’re happy to have him.”
The Eagles also made a pair of front office moves naming Greg Gabriel as a senior college scout and Roger Pollard as a NFL scout.
Gabriel,
a 29-year NFL scouting veteran, was most recently with the Chicago
Bears as the team’s director of college scouting from 2001-2010. In his
previous position, Gabriel played a key role in crafting the Bears draft
plans as well as evaluating college players. Prior to his nine-year
tenure with Chicago, Gabriel spent 16 years in the New York Giants
scouting department, beginning in 1985. He contributed to teams that won
two Super Bowls and three NFC Championship games with the Giants, where
he worked his way up from an area scout to the club’s director of
player development. Gabriel broke into scouting as a part-time scout
with Buffalo in 1981. A three-year starting running back for Canisius
College, the Buffalo, NY native contributed to the popular website National Football Post following his tenure with the Bears.
NHL draft coming to Philadelphia in 2014
After a tour through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Jersey next June, the NHL Entry Draft will find a home in Philadelphia in 2014.
The National Hockey League made the announcement hours before the draft was set to begin in Pittsburgh's CONSOL Energy Center.
"We are truly excited to host the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft at the Wells Fargo Center," said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. "This is further testament that Philadelphia truly is a hockey town. We just hosted a wonderful Winter Classic last season and, in addition to hosting the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, we soon will be preparing to also host the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four at Wells Fargo Center. What a thrill for not just hockey fans in our region, but for the entire City of Philadelphia. We would like to thank the NHL for selecting Philadelphia as the host city for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft."
It will mark the first time in draft history the event will be held in the Quaker City. It will be the cap to the Flyers' 47th year of existence.
Montreal has the distinction of hosting the draft the most times in league annals, doing so every year from 1963-84, 1986, 1988, 1992 and 2009.
The National Hockey League made the announcement hours before the draft was set to begin in Pittsburgh's CONSOL Energy Center.
"We are truly excited to host the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft at the Wells Fargo Center," said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. "This is further testament that Philadelphia truly is a hockey town. We just hosted a wonderful Winter Classic last season and, in addition to hosting the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, we soon will be preparing to also host the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four at Wells Fargo Center. What a thrill for not just hockey fans in our region, but for the entire City of Philadelphia. We would like to thank the NHL for selecting Philadelphia as the host city for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft."
It will mark the first time in draft history the event will be held in the Quaker City. It will be the cap to the Flyers' 47th year of existence.
Montreal has the distinction of hosting the draft the most times in league annals, doing so every year from 1963-84, 1986, 1988, 1992 and 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)