Eric Lindros Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame Speech

Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame 2012

Good evening. Before I get started I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those impacted by super storm Sandy. Kina is here tonight with me. We’re in Toronto but we’ve watched the storm coverage very closely as it really devastated a huge part of the Eastern United States. There’s a lot of heartbreak. Our thoughts are with those who’ll have to rebuild in so many ways following the storm.

It’s great to be back in Philly and to be honored alongside my fellow inductees, a wonderful group. I’m tremendously proud to be included with these individuals and receive this lofty honor. When I received the phone call from Ken a few months back and I was really looking forward to coming back and being here. I haven’t been here in Philly since the Alumni tournament and so it’s nice to come back. Thank you for that and thank you to the selection committee.

Great memories have flooded my mind as I think back to my years here. I fondly remember wonderful coaches like Roger Neilson and Bill Dineen. Great teammates like Johnny LeClair and Michael Renberg, Robbie DiMaio, Kevin Dineen, Dave Babych, Dave Brown. They’re just the tip of the iceberg. I think of the group that I was fortunate enough to grow up with and play with. Some of the training staff I’ll never forget, Jim McCrossin, Rock Oratorio, Jim Evers as well as traveling secretary “Mr. Everything” Joe Kadlec who is here tonight, Please stand up Joe. So thanks Joe. These are the guys that work so hard in the shadows that give us players every opportunity to shine.

But it wasn’t just the gang associated with the dressing room that made playing here so special. It was the people, the fans. I don't think I'm off base in believing that Flyers fans are some of the most passionate in the world and that’s quite a special group. Quite a special group.

Being that it was about 20 years when that I first came to Philly I had the opportunity (I guess I’m dating myself), to play in the Spectrum and my first playoff game. The people in the stands shook that thing for 3 straight hours. I mean it was incredible. I never experienced anything like that in my life. Sitting next to a teammate you had to yell to communicate. It was one of those thrilling special moments, a huge advantage that our guys got.

Our guys always got this advantage no matter what place we played. I’ve never forgotten what great support the people of Philly gave me whether it was as a pro player or as a Flyers Alumni walking out to play those pesky Rangers in that Winter Classic and I’d like to thank you Homer for the phone call last year inviting me. It was very nice of you Homer. I hear your voice and it‘s always so meaningful to me and I’d like to thank you everyone of you. I appreciate the honor. Enjoy your night and go Flyers.