The Flyers' history is a rich history. It includes two Stanley Cups and five other finals appearances. It includes 100-point seasons, bitter playoff disappointments, Hall of Fame players, a devoutly loyal fan base. It includes a brand unique to the NHL and worn with great pride on Philadelphia's streets - the Broad Street Bullies.

The Flyers have invited all 15 captains to participate in the Spectrum ceremonies. One of the 15 would be, yikes, Eric Lindros, No. 88, with a tenure here as tortured as any. It was a feud as large as an ocean between Lindros and his parents vs. general manager Bob Clarke, old No. 16.

It ended badly, as these things do. Lindros left battered. Fans turned against him, wanting him to strap on his helmet, stop whining, and play hockey.

Flyers senior vice president of business operations Shawn Tilger said the team has gotten commitments from Clarke and other former captains Lou Angotti, Mel Bridgman, Dave Poulin, Ed Van Impe and Bill Barber to attend. Keith Primeau and Ron Sutter are most likely to attend.

The Flyers have not heard, yet, from Lindros. "I hope he does [attend]," Tilger said. "I think the fans will be great. There were some great years and great memories that he was a part of."

Tilger said he expects the night to be a celebration. There will be a postgame skate with fans, a ceremony with the captains, a moment of silence for the departed, among other things.

"We're going to put season-ticketholders back in their original seats," Tilger said.

Tilger also said team executives and coaches will wear orange blazers, circa the Woodstock era. "That will be great to see," he said.

We also would love to see No. 88 on the ice with No. 16, in a building overflowing with love, and the reaction from the faithful fans, who once said they would never forgive, never forget. *

- Chuck Bausman

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