Author: mannybenevides

Avid Flyers fan based just outside the hockey hotbed of Toronto, ON. My fandom began with the "Big E" and the Legion of Doom era. Also love to comment and talk about the rest of the NHL, Junior Hockey (CHL but especially OHL), and International Hockey Tournaments.

“No Respect at All”

Flyers fans are a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside of an enigma. For people who are not familiar with this phrase that was first applied by Winston Churchill during World War II to describe the Soviet Union, perhaps the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is more appropriate. The point being is … Continue reading “No Respect at All”

Why Couturier’s Selke Win Matters: The Link Between the Selke Trophy and the Stanley Cup

It’s official. Thursday evening, the NHL announced that Sean Couturier of the Philadelphia Flyers won the Frank J. Selke Award for the 2019-20 season.  The award recognizes the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive aspects of the game.  Faced with stiff competition for the award with perennial nominees and former winners Patrice … Continue reading Why Couturier’s Selke Win Matters: The Link Between the Selke Trophy and the Stanley Cup

In Memoriam: Dale Hawerchuk (1963 – 2020)

On Tuesday August 18th with the Philadelphia Flyers preparing to play Game 4 of their First Round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, the hockey world was floored by the news that Dale Hawerchuk had passed away at the age of 57.  Hawerchuk had battled valiantly against stomach cancer after being diagnosed in October of … Continue reading In Memoriam: Dale Hawerchuk (1963 – 2020)

Sorry Flyers Fans, But John Tortorella Should Win NHL Coach of the Year

They say honesty is the best policy. It is better to deal with difficult conversations and uncomfortable truths by taking them on head-on rather than using a tactic of ignoring and avoiding confrontation. I have to come right out and say it; even though it will surely be difficult to digest what is sure to … Continue reading Sorry Flyers Fans, But John Tortorella Should Win NHL Coach of the Year

Who Get’s the Call to Join the Hall? The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020

This week, the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) selection committee will be meeting to select the 2020 class of inductees into the HHOF.  With safety precautions due to COVID-19 still firmly in place, this year the committee will be meeting virtually over the two days (June 23 and June 24) to present the cases for … Continue reading Who Get’s the Call to Join the Hall? The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020

The All-Time Heritage Team: The Black Heritage Team

We all know the powerhouses of international hockey:  Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, and the United States.  These nations have put together impressive squads with and without NHL players throughout their storied histories. What if players were able to put on the uniform of their family’s cultural heritage or nationality?  What would some … Continue reading The All-Time Heritage Team: The Black Heritage Team

How Will a Flat Salary Cap Affect This Year’s RFA Class?

“A penny saved is a penny earned”. It seems that this age-old saying really applies to the NHL these days.  As a sports starved world desperately looks for leagues to begin play once again, the NHL seems to be at odds with itself (along with fans, players, and owners alike) about their return should look … Continue reading How Will a Flat Salary Cap Affect This Year’s RFA Class?