Jeremy Roenick Retires, Flyers Fans Remember A Favorite

"ROOOOOENICKKK!", I remember shouting.

Last year's 2008-2009 season opened up with a home and home against the San Jose Sharks, which saw J.R. pitted against his former team, the Flyers. After losing the first game to the Sharks, the second game was at home at the Wachovia center. After 3 full periods and some OT and failing to win the game, Roenick was San Jose's last shooter in their shoot out line up. Wouldn't you know it, that bastard actually bagged the goal, in Philadelphia which totally removed all energy from the fans.

It is ironic, because of the few good years that Jeremy Roenick had spent within the Philadelphia Flyers organization. After all, the picture in this post displays what is arguabley Roenick's biggest moment as a Flyer, when he scored the Over Time winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2004 Eastern conference semi-finals.

The veteran is known for his "big mouth", care-free attitude and most of all the fun that he brings to any and all situations. A gritty player, Roenick was never known to shy away from confrontation. Truley a Flyers fan favorite, Roenick's presence will be missed around the league, although I'm sure few will openly admit it.

VENGEANCE NOW !

After suffering a disappointing exit during the first round of the play offs at the hands of long time rivals, Stanley Cup Champions the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yea well guess what ? The seasons over, the penguins got their cup and it's time for vengeance, NOW !

The Flyer's have been busy this off season making some moves, losing a few players to make some key acquisitions that should contribute nicely to the team's already youthful and talented core group.

Probably the biggest news was the acquisition of heavy weight Canadian born defence man Chris Pronger from Anaheim in exchange for former Duck Jofferey Lupul and young defence man Luca Sbisa as well as the 2009 entry draft pick and a conditional pick for 2010. Pronger, now 34 years old is excited to be a part of the team, after Flyer's GM Paul Holmgrem signed the veteran to a 7 year contract, locking him up until he retires.

Another notable change comes in goal, where former Ottawa Senators goalie Ray Emery was acquired from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). While this may raise many eyebrows, I think this is another perfect fit for the Flayer's, who now have an large and aggressive goalie that fits there style of play. Veteran goalie Brian Boucher was also acquired as a back up for the Flayer's. This means bye bye to Marty Biron and Antero Nittymaki who have each played very well for the last few seasons but just didn't quite cut it, and were released as free agents on July 1st, 2009.

Unfortunately the Flayers did lose a key member of the group, veteran Mike Knuble who recorded the most points as a Fl yer during their dismal 2006-2007 season, which was the franchise's worst season in it's illustrious 42+ year history. To make up for this loss, former Avalanche tough guy Ian Laperriere was added to the line up, contributing more solid size as well as tough grit.

As a fan, I am looking forward watching this next season unfold. With talented young players such as Flyer's Captain Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Claude Girioux, Braydon Coburn, Ryan Parent and Randy Jones, with the added fire power of superstars Simon, Briere, Simon Gagne, Kimo Timonen and Chris Pronger, the Flyers are looking to win, and they are looking to do it right now !

Not to mention that now the team has a specially selected group of "bruisers" in players that will throw down such as Aaron Asham, Dan Carcillo, Ian Laperriere, Chris Pronger, and even goalie Ray Emery, the broad st bully era has returned, and the message is clear. Vengeance, now !!

The broad street bullies are back baby !