Flyer History - Flyers' Ambassador of Hockey


	Flyers' Ambassador of Hockey

By MARC NARDUCCI

South Jersey Magazine

He never scored a goal, stopped a puck, or played a single game, but there can't be enough said about how much South Jersey resident Joe Kadlec has meant to the Philadelphia Flyers over their first 40 years.

The beginning of the 41st season in October will be staged for the first time without Kadlec serving the team in a full-time capacity after he retired from the organization last week. Kadlec, who resides in Cherry Hill, joined the Flyers during their inaugural season in 1967. He had been serving as the Flyers' director of fan services since 1997.

At that time when the NHL expanded with six teams including the Flyers in 1967, nobody knew for sure how hockey would take off in the Delaware Valley. The only thing that Kadlec realized at the time was that he wanted to be associated with the Flyers.

While many in the Philadelphia area weren't familiar with hockey prior to the Flyers being granted a franchise, Kadlec had a deep passion for the game. He served as a stick boy for the Philadelphia Ramblers of the Eastern Hockey League (1956-1964).

Kadlec was working at the Philadelphia Daily News sports desk when he heard about hockey coming to Philadelphia. He loved the game, applied to the Flyers and became their first director of press relations.

On two different occasions, the Professional Hockey Writers' Association honored Kadlec. He was voted the Red Burnett Memorial Award winner in 1982, for having the most outstanding press box. In 1983 Kadlec earned the Outstanding Press Guide Award.

Kadlec's presence will still be felt with the Flyers because he isn't severing all ties. He will remain a member of the organization as an Ambassador of Hockey for the Flyers

"Over the 40-year history of this hockey club, Joe has been an integral part of the team," said Flyers Chairman Ed Snider in a statement released by the team. "While we will miss all of Joe's charm, energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of our franchise, it is comforting to me to know that he will continue to spread Flyers hockey throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region as one of our ambassadors."

Kadlec said there have been so many outstanding memories during his 40 years with the team. "Winning the two Stanley cups (1974 and 1975) and later a Canada Cup (1991) were some of the greatest moments of my life," Kadlec said. "I will cherish the many friendships I have made with every player who has ever donned the 'orange and black' and worked for the team."

During his tenure with the Flyers, Kadlec served a variety of tasks. Under former head coach Fred Shero, who guided the Flyers to the two Stanley Cup championships, Kadlec was the team's director of team services.

He handed the team's travel, ticket requests and accommodations. For 30 years Kadlec traveled with the Flyers, so he has been witness to so many great players and games.

And Kadlec will always be known as one of the great members of the organization. Certain people are identified immediately with a team and that is the way it is with Kadlec and the Flyers.

The organization is fortunate that he is still going to be involved and his new title is appropriate because nobody has been a better ambassador for hockey and the Flyers than Joe Kadlec.