Philadelphia Firebirds

Last updated • 7 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Philadelphia Firebirds
Syracuse Firebirds
Philly Firebirds.png
City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Syracuse, New York
League NAHL (1974–1977)
AHL (1977–1980)
Operated1974–1980
Home arena Philadelphia Civic Center
Onondaga County War Memorial Arena
ColorsWhite, Orange, Yellow, Green
Affiliates Philadelphia Flyers
Detroit Red Wings
Colorado Rockies
Quebec Nordiques
Pittsburgh Penguins
Franchise history
1974–1979Philadelphia Firebirds
1979–1980Syracuse Firebirds
Championships
Playoff championships1: 1975–76
(Lockhart Cup)

The Philadelphia Firebirds were a minor league professional ice hockey team that played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1974 to 1979, and later the franchise moved to Syracuse, New York, and played one final season as the Syracuse Firebirds. From 1974 to 1977 the Firebirds were a member club of the North American Hockey League. The Firebirds won the Lockhart Cup as NAHL playoff champions in 1976. When the NAHL folded in 1977, the Firebirds then played the American Hockey League from 1977 to 1980.

Contents

History

NAHL, 1974–1977

1974–75

The Firebirds were established for the 1974–75 NAHL season hoping to capitalize on hockey's popularity in Philadelphia. The NHL's Philadelphia Flyers had just won their first Stanley Cup in 1974, and the Philadelphia Civic Center was recently vacated by the WHA's Philadelphia Blazers, making room for a minor league team. Gregg Pilling was named head coach of the Firebirds, and led the team for three seasons. Bob Collyard emerged as the team's scoring leader with 42 goals, 61 assists, and 103 points. [1] The team finished the season second place in the NAHL with a 40–31–3 record and 83 points. [2] The Firebirds faced the seventh place Long Island Cougars in the first round of the playoffs. Philadelphia won the first game 4–2, but lost the next three games in the best-of-five series by scores of 2–3, 2–5 and, 2–8 to finish the season. [3]

Philadelphia Civic Center Municipal Auditorium and Convention Hall, 34th Street, below Spruce, Philadelphia, Pa (61770).jpg
Philadelphia Civic Center
1975–76

In the 1975–76 NAHL season, Bob Collyard led the team again in scoring with 45 goals, 84 assists, and 129 points. Michel Plante nearly doubled his previous best season, and scored 52 goals, 66 assists and 118 points. Gord Brooks completed the top line with 39 goals, 54 assists and 93 points. Eleven different Firebirds had double-digit goal totals in the season, including Denis Patry with 37 goals, Pierre Henry with 30 goals, and Randy Osburn with 29 goals. The defence was led by Rychard Campeau with 17 goals, 64 assists, and 81 points; and Mike Penasse with 21 goals, 37 assists and 58 points. [4] The Firebirds scored the second most goals in the league with 373, and earned second place in the west division, and third overall in the NAHL with a 45–29–0 record. [5] The Firebirds faced the west division's third place team, the Erie Blades in the first round of the playoffs. Philadelphia won the first game 10–5, but lost the next two games by scores of 2–3 and 3–8. In danger of elimination in the best-of-five series, the Firebirds rebounded with 7–4 and 6–4 wins. In the second round, the Firebirds faced the west division's first place team and defending playoffs champion, the Johnstown Jets in a best-of-seven series. In a very high scoring series, Philadelphia prevailed in 5 games, by scores of 5–4, 3–6, 7–5, 4–3, and 14–10 in a wild fifth game on home ice. The Firebirds faced the Beauce Jaros in the NAHL finals, the first place team in the east division. The Jaros had won 54 games in the regular season, and led the league in goals scored with 462 and penalty minutes with 2134. [5] On the road for the first two games, the Firebirds won 7–5, and lost 4–7. In Philadelphia for games three and four, the Firebirds won 6–1, then lost 6–7. Philadelphia won game five 6–4 on the road to set up game six at home. The Firebirds won 5–2 on home ice to win the Lockhart Cup as NAHL champions in front of a crowd of 9223 fans. Philadelphia averaged 5.94 goals scored per game during 16 playoff games. [6] Since both Firebirds goaltenders were injured, Gaye Cooley filled in after winning the 1976 Southern Hockey League championship with the Charlotte Checkers. [7]

The 1976-77 Philadelphia Firebirds with the Lockhart Cup. 1976 77 Firebirds.jpg
The 1976-77 Philadelphia Firebirds with the Lockhart Cup.
1976–77

In the 1976–77 NAHL season, Gord Brooks led the Firebirds with 65 goals, 59 assists, and 124 points. Bob Collyard had another good year with 31 goals, 85 assists, and 116 points. Philadelphia also had two more 32 goal scorers in George Swarbrick and Randy Osburn. Goaltender Rejean Lemelin played a career high 51 games in net with 26 wins. [8] The team finished the season fourth place in the NAHL with a 38–33–3 record and 79 points. [9] The Firebirds faced the fifth place Erie Blades in the first round of the playoffs. Philadelphia won the first game 4–3, but lost the next three games in the best-of-five series by scores of 4–5, 5–6 and, 1–4 to finish the season. [10]

AHL, 1977–1980

1977–78

When the NAHL folded after the 1976–77 season, the Firebirds acquired an American Hockey League expansion franchise for the 1977–78 AHL season, and affiliated with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings. Danny Belisle was named the new coach and general manager. The team was built with several Red Wings prospects, and many of the top players from the Firebirds' NAHL seasons returned. Gord Brooks and Bob Collyard continued to lead the team in scoring even after switching leagues. Collyard scored 28 goals, 62 assists, and 90 points. [11] Good Brooks scored 42 goals, 56 assists, and 98 points to tie for first in the league in points scored with Rick Adduono of the Rochester Americans, sharing the John B. Sollenberger Trophy. [12] Goaltender Rejean Lemelin led the league with 60 games played, tied for most wins with 31, and his 2.96 goals against average was second best. [12] The Firebirds finished their first AHL season with a record of 35–35–11 and placed third in the Southern Division. [13] In the first round of the playoffs they faced the second place New Haven Nighthawks in a best-of-five series. The Firebirds lost the first two games on the road by scores of 3–6, and 1–7. At home for game three, Philadelphia won 4–1, but lost game four 2–5, to end the season. [14]

1978–79

For the 1978–79 AHL season, the Firebirds were affiliated with the NHL's Colorado Rockies. Head coach Danny Belisle had moved on to the Washington Capitals, and was replaced by Armand "Bep" Guidolin. Gord Brooks finished second in the league with 43 goals, [15] and led the team with 74 points. Larry Skinner was second in team scoring with 34 goals, 33 assists, and 67 points. [16] The Firebirds lost their first ten games of the season, before defeating the Hershey Bears on November 10. The team never recovered from the bad start, and finished last overall in the AHL with a record of 23-49-8, and missing the playoffs. The Firebirds also scored a league worst 230 goals, and had the league's lowest average attendance at only 2,841 fans per game. [17] The bad fortunes this season led to the team's departure from Philadelphia in the off-season.

Onondaga County War Memorial Arena Onondaga County War Memorial side.jpg
Onondaga County War Memorial Arena
1979–80

The Firebirds relocated to Syracuse, New York for the 1979–80 AHL season, playing home games at Onondaga County War Memorial Arena. The Firebirds were led by rookie coach Michel Parizeau, who recently retired from a seven-year WHA playing career. Gord Brooks led the team in scoring again with 34 goals, 41 assists, and 75 points. [18] Syracuse struggled on defence, allowing a league worst 364 goals against, and finished with a 31–42–7 record, and third place in the southern division. [19] The Firebirds faced second place Hershey Bears in playoffs, and lost in four straight games, by scores of 3–5, 3–5, 1–8, and 3–5. [20] Syracuse struggled at the box office too, and had the lowest average attendance in the league at 2581 fans per game. [19] The team was unprofitable for a second straight season and folded after the 1980 playoffs.

Coaches

Players

Goaltender Réjean Lemelin and centre Bob Collyard were the only players to be members of the Firebirds all five seasons in Philadelphia. [24] [25] Lemelin went on to a fifteen-year NHL career, and coached with both the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phantoms. Others Firebirds players that coached in the NHL include: Don Hay, Lorne Molleken, Terry Murray, and Rick Wilson. A couple other notable persons were briefly Firebirds players; including future NHL referee Paul Stewart; and Mike Eruzione, best known as the captain of the United States men's national ice hockey team that defeated the Soviet Union in the famous Miracle on Ice game at 1980 Winter Olympics.

Season-by-season results

SeasonRegular SeasonPlayoffs
LeagueGamesWonLostTiedPointsGoals
for
Goals
against
Standing1st round2nd roundFinals
1974–75 NAHL7440313833112882nd, LeagueL, 1–3, Long Island
1975–76 NAHL7445290903733192nd, WestW, 3–2, Erie W, 4–2, Johnstown W, 4–2, Beauce
Lockhart Cup Champions
1976–77 NAHL7438333793192944th, LeagueL, 1–3, Erie
1977–78 AHL81353511812942903rd, SouthL, 1–3, New Haven
1978–79 AHL8023498542303475th, SouthOut of playoffs
1979–80 AHL8031427693033643rd, SouthL, 0–4, Hershey
TOTALS46321221932456183019021 championship

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Hockey League</span> Ice hockey league in the United States and Canada

The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). For the 2023–24 season, 31 of the 32 NHL teams have affiliations with an AHL team with only Carolina Hurricanes having no official AHL affiliations. When NHL teams do not have an AHL affiliate, players are assigned to AHL teams affiliated with other NHL teams. Twenty-six AHL teams are located in the United States and the remaining six are in Canada. The league offices are located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and its current president is Scott Howson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philadelphia Phantoms</span> Former American hockey team

The Philadelphia Phantoms were a professional ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 1996 to 2009. The club was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played most of its home games at the Spectrum. During schedule conflicts or some Calder Cup playoff games, games were moved to the adjacent Wachovia Center. The Phantoms won two Calder Cup titles during their tenure in Philadelphia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Syracuse Crunch</span> American Hockey League team in Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse Crunch are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They play in Syracuse, New York, at the Upstate Medical University Arena. They are the primary development affiliate of the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baltimore Clippers</span> Former professional minor league ice hockey team in Baltimore, Maryland

The Baltimore Clippers were a minor league professional ice hockey team from in Baltimore, Maryland, playing in the Baltimore Civic Center. The Clippers were members of the American Hockey League from 1962 to 1976, and then played one season in the Southern Hockey League. The team was managed by Terry Reardon for its first fourteen seasons, and won three division titles, but were unable to capture a Calder Cup title. Baltimore began as a farm team for the New York Rangers, and helped develop Hall of Fame players including, Eddie Giacomin, Doug Harvey, Jacques Plante and Jean Ratelle. The Clippers also featured eight alumni, who are now members of the AHL Hall of Fame. The team name "Clippers", was used by two previous professional hockey teams in Baltimore, and paid homage to local history in the Baltimore Clipper, and the Port of Baltimore.

Timothy Michael Young is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played ten seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Minnesota North Stars, Winnipeg Jets and Philadelphia Flyers.

Simon Laurent Nolet is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played ten seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), most notably for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was a member of the Philadelphia Flyers 1974 Stanley Cup-winning team, after earlier winning the 1965 Allan Cup championship of senior ice hockey with the Sherbrooke Castors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hampton Gulls</span> Former American minor league professional ice hockey team

The Hampton Gulls were an American minor league professional ice hockey team based in Hampton, Virginia, from 1974 to 1978 at the Hampton Coliseum. The Gulls played three seasons in the Southern Hockey League, beginning in 1974. When that league folded in 1977, the Hampton played one season in the American Hockey League. The Gulls were a World Hockey Association farm team to the Cincinnati Stingers each season. John Brophy was team's only head coach during its existence. Hampton ceased operations on February 10, 1978, part way through its fourth season.

The 1977–78 AHL season was the 42nd season of the American Hockey League. The season was in jeopardy when the last of the original eight franchises of the "International-American Hockey League", the Rhode Island Reds folded in the offseason, and the AHL was left with five teams. The league increased its member teams by four, when the North American Hockey League and Southern Hockey Leagues both folded before the 1977–78 season. Two teams joined from the NAHL, and another from the SHL, along with one expansion team.

The 1979–80 AHL season was the 44th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to play 80 games each. The New Haven Nighthawks finished first overall in the regular season. The Hershey Bears won their sixth Calder Cup championship.

The 1980–81 AHL season was the 45th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season. The Adirondack Red Wings won their first Calder Cup championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Boudreau</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach (born 1955)

Bruce Allan Boudreau is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He previously served as head coach of the Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). As a player, Boudreau played professionally for 20 seasons, and was a third round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. He played 141 games in the NHL with the Maple Leafs and Chicago Black Hawks, and 30 games in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Minnesota Fighting Saints. Boudreau played most of his career in the American Hockey League (AHL) for various teams where he was known for his goals and point-scoring abilities, recording 316 goals and 483 assists for 799 points in 634 games.

Michael Busniuk is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. He is the younger brother of Ron Busniuk. Busniuk was selected 67th overall, in the 5th round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, by the Montreal Canadiens and played two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. Busniuk played eight seasons in the American Hockey League and is the only player to be a member of four consecutive Calder Cup championship teams (1976–1979), and to win five cups as a player. Busniuk won a sixth Calder Cup as a coach.

The 1974–75 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers eighth season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Flyers repeated as Stanley Cup champions. The 1974–75 Flyers were the last Stanley Cup champion to be composed entirely of Canadian players.

The 1979–80 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 13th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). This team owns the longest unbeaten streak in North American sports history in 35 consecutive games without a loss, from October 14 to January 6. The Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost in six games to the New York Islanders.

The 1975–76 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' ninth season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the third consecutive year, but they lost to the Montreal Canadiens in a four-game sweep.

The 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' tenth season in the National Hockey League (NHL). They finished first in the Patrick Division with a record of 48 wins, 16 losses, and 16 ties for 112 points.

The 1977–78 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 11th season in the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erik Condra</span> American professional ice hockey forward

Erik Paul Condra is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played in 372 National Hockey League (NHL) games with the Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars. He is currently a player development coach with the Chicago Blackhawks. Condra played for the University of Notre Dame in the CCHA. Condra was born in Trenton, Michigan, but grew up in Livonia, Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Maroon</span> American ice hockey player

Patrick Maroon is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed the "Big Rig", Maroon has previously played for the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Maroon is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, winning in three consecutive seasons.

Gregg Pilling is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. He was named coach of the year by the International Hockey League in 1977–78 season, after he led the Fort Wayne Komets to the Fred A. Huber Trophy as the regular season champions. He also won coach of the year awards in Southern Hockey League, and North American Hockey League, while guiding the Roanoke Valley Rebels and the Philadelphia Firebirds to league championships. Pilling made headlines as a coach for his colourful in-game protests and multiple ejections. Prior to coaching, he had a brief playing career, including a 1963 Memorial Cup championship with the Edmonton Oil Kings, and was voted the most valuable player in his final full season as a player.

References

  1. "Philadelphia Firebirds 1974-75 roster and scoring statistics". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  2. "1974-75 North American Hockey League [NAHL] standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  3. "1974-75 NAHL Playoff Results". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  4. "Philadelphia Firebirds 1975-76 roster and scoring statistics". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  5. 1 2 "1975-76 North American Hockey League [NAHL] standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  6. "1975-76 NAHL Playoff Results". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  7. Edwards, Ells (April 15, 1976). "Firebirds claim Lockhart Cup". Delaware County Daily Times . Chester, Pennsylvania. p. 14. Lock-green.svg
  8. "Philadelphia Firebirds 1976-77 roster and scoring statistics". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  9. "1976-77 North American Hockey League [NAHL] standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  10. "1976-77 NAHL Playoff Results". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  11. "Philadelphia Firebirds 1977-78 roster and scoring statistics". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  12. 1 2 "AHL 1977-78 League Leaders". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  13. "1977-78 American Hockey League [AHL] standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  14. "1977-78 AHL Playoff Results". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  15. "AHL 1978-79 League Leaders". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  16. "Philadelphia Firebirds 1978-79 roster and scoring statistics". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  17. "1978-79 American Hockey League [AHL] standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  18. "Syracuse Firebirds 1979-80 roster and scoring statistics". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  19. 1 2 "1979-80 American Hockey League [AHL] standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  20. "1979-80 AHL Playoff Results". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  21. 1 2 "Philadelphia Firebirds hockey team [NAHL] statistics and history". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  22. 1 2 3 "Philadelphia Firebirds hockey team [AHL] statistics and history". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  23. 1 2 "Syracuse Firebirds hockey team statistics and history". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  24. "Philadelphia Firebirds [NAHL] all-time player list". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  25. "Philadelphia Firebirds [AHL] all-time player list". HockeyDB. Retrieved November 24, 2017.