Overview
An insider’s view of the enduring hockey franchise
Stretching back to the team’s birth in the National Hockey League expansion of 1967, this record follows the Philadelphia Flyers’ story, starting with the rabid fan base they built during their “Broad Street Bullies” era of the 1970s. The hard-charging Bullies’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975 are documented, and the team’s status as a perennial contender is illustrated through their 34 playoff appearances. Penned by charismatic superstar and team manager Bobby Clarke’s own daughter Jakki, this account reflects the personal relationships the author established with many of the team’s best skaters. Drawn from up-close interviews with more than 30 of the Flyers’ greats regarding their lives, playing careers, challenges, and successes, this compilation is a must-have keepsake that all Philadelphia hockey fans are sure to cherish. Players from all eras are represented—including Billy Barber, Bernie Parent, Mark Howe, Keith Primeau, and more—sharing never-before-told stories about learning to skate, playing pranks in the locker room, enjoying the fruits of victory, and overcoming crushing defeat. Containing valuable advice for both athletes and parents, this is an intimate look at a group of men who have experienced the ups and downs of a demanding sport at all levels.
Reviews
“fun … what a magnificent dose of literary sports medicine.”--Ice Chips and Diamond Dust, a blog for The Observer-Dispatch
Author Biography
Jakki Clarke is a former director of communications and the daughter of Bobby Clarke, the former Philadelphia Flyers’ MVP and general manager. She lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Ed Snider co-founded the Philadelphia Flyers in 1967 and has owned or run the team ever since. Today, he is chairman of Comcast Spectacor, the company that owns the Philadelphia Flyers.
Press Releases
Flyer Lives: Philadelphia Hockey Greats Share
Their Personal Stories
By Jakki Clarke
CHICAGO: Stretching back to the team's birth in the National Hockey League expansion of 1967, Flyer Lives: Philadelphia Hockey Greats Share Their Personal Stories (November 2012, Triumph Books) by Jakki Clarke, daughter of hockey great Bobby Clarke, follows the Philadelphia Flyers' story, detailing the triumphs and heartbreaks; rivalries and team pride; super stars and legends in this insider's glimpse into this enduring hockey franchise.
Starting with the rabid fan base they built during their "Broad Street Bullies" era of the 1970s, Flyer Lives delves into their hard-charging approach and the Bullies' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. Drawn from up-close interviews with more than 30 of the Flyers' best players regarding their lives, playing careers, challenges and successes, this riveting account reflects the personal relationships the author established with many of the team's best skaters. Players from all eras are represented-including Bob Kelly, Ron Hextall, Mark Howe, Keith Primeau and more-sharing never-before-told stories about learning to skate, playing pranks in the locker room, enjoying the fruits of victory with their teammates and overcoming crushing defeat.
Documenting the team's status as a perennial contender as illustrated through their 34 playoff appearances, Flyer Lives is an invaluable collection of stories that trace the Flyers' legacy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jakki Clarke is a former director of communications and the daughter of Bobby Clarke, the former Philadelphia Flyers' MVP and general manager. She lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
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