A fitting tribute

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The Flyers’ final face-off at the Spectrum last week against American Hockey League affiliate the Phantoms was more than just a game. It was packed with memories as the historic venue’s southside had a party going on, complete with a band and face-painting. Although a majority of fans were rooting for the boys in orange, all had one thing in mind — celebrating the last days of the Spectrum and the legacy of Philadelphia sports.

Opening its doors in 1967, the Spectrum is scheduled to close in 2009 to be replaced by an entertainment mecca of restaurants, shops and a hotel. For more than 40 years, the venue has hosted sporting events, none of which would have been possible without the fans — and many of the more than 17,000 in attendance Oct. 7 had strong predictions for the Flyers.

"They’re going to the Cup," Bob Whitman, of Delaware, said without a second thought, celebrating the night with his daughter and three sons.

Kevin Klotz, of Passyunk Avenue and Lambert Street, agreed.

"The Flyers are winning the Stanley Cup," the 29-year-old, a lifelong supporter of the team who came out to the venue where Philadelphia hockey and the Flyers began, said.

As fans were entertained outside the arena, former players inside signed jerseys and helmets before stepping onto the ice for pregame ceremonies. Amidst camera flashes and cheers, more than 20 former Flyers, including one-time captain Bobby Clarke, who is now the club’s senior vice president, Terry Crisp and Bernie Parent, helped re-raise the ’74 and ’75 Stanley Cup championship banners one last time.

"It’s an important game because of the meaning behind it," Flyers coach John Stevens said postgame. "With the Spectrum going down this year and the people that really established a tradition here, it’s a special game."

But there still was a game to be played. Danny Briere and Mike Richards set Simon Gagne up for a perfect shot — his second of the preseason — past that night’s Phantom goalie Antero Niittymaki, putting the NHL club on the board minutes into the first period. Toward the end of the second period, Phantom Jared Ross scored on a power play, evening the score 1-1. In the third, the Phantoms pulled ahead, and the win went to the affiliate, 4-2.

"We had a good game tonight and we worked hard for it," 20-year-old Claude Giroux, who suited up for the Flyers last season, said.

Stevens commended his opponents.

"The game of hockey is not so much the talent level that separates the NHL from other leagues; it is, but more than anything else, the competitiveness," Stevens said. "Obviously, there was some natural motivation for [the Phantoms] to play and they played extremely hard and they came up with the win. It’s great to see some of these kids rise to the occasion in a big setting like that."

Competitiveness is an important aspect of the regular season. Stevens said his players are prepared, but will continue to progress throughout the year.

"I usually take the first 20 games of the season to see where things fall into place," he said.

The Flyers opened the regular season 0-3, dropping games to the Rangers, Canadians and Penguins. Tonight, they’re in Colorado followed by a Saturday night match in San Jose. They return home Oct. 22 to host the Sharks.

As for the Phantoms, newly appointed head coach John Paddock, said his team made sharp decisions and put forth a valiant effort last week.

"I think we made good plays with good execution," Paddock said.

The former Flyer added there’s still work to be done, but he’s confident about the season.

"I think this organization and team expectations are to play at a pretty high level and be pretty successful," he said.

Win or lose, the game ended as it began, with both teams paying tribute to their home with a group photo on the ice.

Although this may be their last game together at the Spectrum, the memories and excitement brought by the loyal fans will live on.

"We have very good fans in Philly and besides tonight, I hope it’s going to be like that the whole season," Giroux said.