High Hopes Blog

Brief History of the Philadelphia Flyers

March 25th, 2012

Brief History of the Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers started last 1967 when they became official members of the NHL. They first won against the Pittsburgh Penguins last 1967. There were thousands of spectators who cheered them on in their home court game. This was indeed a great head start in their career as a strong statement to the NHL.

It was a progressive season for the Flyers over the years that passed. Their match against the Atlanta Flames was one to remember as they literally fought each other for the win. Their team was later coined as the Broad Street Bullies, following this game of heated confrontations. They had grabbed the win against the fighting Flames. Fans and media alike went crazy and intrigued over this game. It was another victory for the Flyers and a terrible upset for the Flames. The 70’s era was definitely remarkable for the Philadelphia Flyers as their team sowed the NHL what they are really worth!

In 1973, the Flyers won again in the West Division. It was then because of the efforts of Dave Schultz that led the team to win. It was also in this year that the song of the Flyers changed from Star Spangled Banner to God Bless America, which was the best move ever because since then, there had been nothing but winnings for the team.

Then came the prestigious Stanley Cup. This time, the Flyers were flying higher than ever and could not be stopped! They had a winning streak and it was as if the gods of ice hockey smiled down on this team which kept them winning and winning. They won 6 games against the Boston Bruins. Ever since, they made it point to have the song God Bless America played or sung in every game. It seems that it truly helped them to look in and let out the champions in them. They performed with vigor and confidence that the other teams simply lacked.

The succeeding years proved to be a breeze for the Flyers as they defeated NHL giants like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders. Indeed, nothing can stop them from advancing to the finals.

They lost the game against the Buffalo Sabres in an exciting and exhilarating “fog game”, as they simply put it. This was apparently because of lack of air conditioning in the venue of the game. This was upsetting for the Flyers because they also had difficulty seeing anything under the fog. They fought back in the succeeding games and eventually still emerged champions of the Stanley Cup.

During the years 1976-1980 and 1985-2010, it was like a bad omen got the Flyers. They had failed to win a single championship. Has luck run out for the team? Despite their efforts, it seemed like it was not enough or that the other teams had grown stronger and more determined than they were. Still, they did not refuse to fight and fight hard, like good sportsmen.

Overall, the team made a mark in NHL history and we will never forget that. They have won many championships already and they have earned the respect of the NHL community.

photo by: jpowers65

History of Philadelphia Eagles

March 13th, 2012

History of Philadelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia eagles started in 1933 when the frankford Yellowjackets franchise was bought by Bert Bell and Lud Wray for only $2,500.00. In 1941, Alexis Thompson because the team’s owner. In 1943, because of the World War II, Philadelphia ans Pittsburgh franchises had a manpower shortage and so they had to merge and later called their teams Phil-Pitt and the Steagles, with their respective coaches, Greasy Neale and Walt Kiesling. Coach Neale soon brought the Eagles to greater heights, with his star running back player Steve Van Buren,Alex Wojciechowicz as his center -linebacker and end Pete Pinos, they were definitely a stronger team, if not, the strongest. They were leading for 6 seasons straight. They have then on garnered SECOND PLACE IN 1944-1946 in the NFL Eastern Division. They also went on winning from 1947- 1949 successively.

In 1958, there was a sudden shift in the winning streak of the Philadelphia Eagles. This is what prompted Buck Shaw, the team’s newest coach, to pucker up his team. He has then made a tandem with his best quarterback Norm Van Brocklin. They worked together with the whole team and regained the glory of winning as they enjoyed the victory over the Green Bay Packers, leading the score 17-13 during the exciting championship game.

There was a wave of disappointment for the Philadelphia Eagles because of the fact they they have not won a single championship fro 1961 until 1978. The misfortune finally was put on hold when in 1980, the Eagles won over the Dallas Cowboys in the Eastern Division Title winning the game with the score 20-7 in the NFL Championships. They did not have continued luck, though, as they were defeated by the Oakland Raider in the Super Bowl with the score 27-10.

8 years later, The Philadelphia Eagles has once again regained their reign as champions in the NFL Eastern Division championships. Nothing can seem to stop the Eagles as they had a winning streak continuing to flourish up to 10 winnings and more, until 1993.

Under the excellent supervision of their new head coach, Andy Reid, the Eagles have finally sealed their crown as the king. Starting in the year 2000 and onwards, The Eagles have soared high and won 5 times n their division , crushing their opponents and leaving them defeated. The Eagles also appeared 8 times in the post-season and also a trip to the super bowl! This was definitely the best season for the team having the best coach by far to lead them to countless victories!

The team has had changes in their locations. from Franklin Field to Veteran’s Stadium and now, it is in it’s current home, the Lincoln Financial field since 2003.

During the 2010 NFL Playoffs however, the Eagles fought a good fight against their stronger opponent, the Green Bay Packers. This time, they were defeated by the Packers even though they played a good offense against the team. They put out all their efforts but to nil, Maybe they can strive harder next time and then best proceed further to the Super Bowl. I am sure that the fans can’t wait for the next championship games!

Shining Moment for Iguodala of the 76ers

February 28th, 2012

Shining Moment for Iguodala of the 76ersAndre Iguodala is definitely ready for the All- Star’s game. He has a huge smile on his face and he is ready for this. The NBA All- Star Game which starts on February 26 will showcase 26 of the premier players. Iguodala, has just recently earned his spot in the All-Stars.

He was a the court earlier , probably to shrug off the pent up nervousness that, well, is normal for a first timer in the All- Stars.

Iguodala would then wear the number 9, being the third to have this number alongside Luol Deng and Rajon Rondo. He then opened up to being a fan of the Celtic legend Bill Russel, moving on to talk about how Russell did not even have an idea who he was before, as he came up to Russell. Now, he says, Russell looks to him differently, which makes him proud and happy.

Talking with David Robinson, from San Antonio Spurs was also a highlight for him, sharing that Robinson watches his games, it was ecstatic!

In an interview with the press, he was asked to finish singing ” When You Wish Upon a Star” , asked what ” Hakuna Matata” meant, oh well, we are in Orlando, after all. He was also bombarded with issues of possible trading since the Philadelphia 76ers has suffered losses already. He answered that there is a possibility but did no elaborate further. He was also asked about Jeremy Lin, he was wishing all the best for him and hoped that he would step up from all the expectations and show the public what he’s got.

The All- Star Game in Orlando created a hype for all people watching . Business was doing as good as ever, with NASCAR less than 50 miles away. There was of course heavy traffic on the I-4 and you could see all the fans of the NBA that rushed the streets to watch and the NASCAR fans just moving along, some chatting with each other talking about sports and what nots.

The facts remain that there are 3 teams in the Atlantic Division that have too many losses- 11 losing games in summary to be exact, the Sixers, New York and the Celtics. We can only hope that the players do step up and team recovery will be on its way.

Iguodala was the underdog here, alongside All-Stars biggies like Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, but he impressively scored this one out, giving Orlando something to be proud about.He had scored 12 points, four rebounds and had only one turn over. This was indeed a relief for the already sinking Sixers.

The team has to put more effort on each member to do their part and improve their shootings, defense and offense if they still want to save face. Thy should not only rely on Iguodala to do the hard work.

Iguodala is one o the many who is receiving a double figured salary in the All- Stars and since he is also one of the top 5 in the Sixers, he is also receiving such. During the first month, though, there was a great deal of winnings by Philadelphia but later sunk into a series of losses. hopefully, we can get back to that and match their earnings to scoring in the hoops.