Quick Hits: August 11, 2024
1) My apologies for not writing a blog yesterday. I had an early morning flight (boarded at 5:45 a.m. CDT) from Texas to Philly and went to bed by 7:30 p.m. EDT. I did, however, do a Q&A on my Twitter/X while I was in flight, as I often do when traveling. It passes the time and I enjoy the interaction.
I'm now back on a daily writing schedule. Tonight, Jason Myrtetus and I will record, per usual, the weekly "Mondays with Meltzer" edition of Jason's Flyers Daily podcast on the Flyers Broadcast Network.
2) The 2024 Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp is less than a week away, running from this Friday (Aug. 16) through next Monday (Aug. 19). The "Fantasy Cup" championship game is on the final day. Twelve different Flyers Alumni will be coaching the four participating teams. As always, it should be a great time for the coaches and the players (and for myself). This year is the 10th edition of the annual event, and there are some special events planned for the participants.
If you wish to participate in the 2025 edition next August, registration will be available in January. Be aware that all spots fill up very quickly each year. Visit the Main Events section of the
Flyers Alumni official site for details.
3) Coming this week on PhiladelphiaFlyers.com: "Offseason Spotlight articles on Joel Farabee and Jamie Drysdale, with additional Spotlight features planned thereafter on Travis Sanheim and Morgan Frost. There are also a pair Hometown Assist Program profiles planned over the week to come.
4) Here on HockeyBuzz, I am planning a blog on potential tryout invitees as well as a look back at past invitees who landed -- or did not secure -- NHL contracts with the Flyers. I don't have any direct intel on planned invites come September. However, it would not surprise me if the Flyers kicked tires on an unsigned NHL veteran or two depending on whether the players are able first to secure at least a one-year contract in the league beforehand. Specifically, I could the Flyers parsing available veteran centers.
5) August 11 Flyers Alumni birthday: Two-stint Flyers Alumni center Ken "the Rat" Linseman was born on August 11, 1958, in Kingston, Ontario. He is best known for centering the "Rat Patrol" line with Flyers Hall of Fame wingers Brian Propp and Paul Holmgren. In his top season in Philly (1981-82), Linseman racked up 92 points despite compiling 275 penalty minutes. A highly skilled playmaker who twice posted more than 55 assists as a Flyer, Linseman often compensated for his smallish frame by being loose at best, vicious at worst, with his stick. Having the rugged Holmgren on his line made Linseman fearless, and his PIMs surged along with his point totals.
6) Today in Flyers History: On August 11, 1979, the Flyers sold John "Too Tall" Paddock's contract to the Quebec Nordiques. He returned to the Flyers in 1982-83 and, after his playing days, had AHL head coach, NHL assistant coach, NHL assistant general manager and director of player personnel stretches over two off-ice stints.
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