Flyer's Hammer Inducted into Hall of Fame
AP
Former Philadelphia Flyers' Dave Schultz speaks during his induction ceremony to the Flyers' Hall of Fame, before an NHL hockey game between the Flyers and the New Jersey Devils, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Left wing, tough guy, goon, leader. Hockey legend Dave “the Hammer” Schultz has been called many things, now he can add Hall of Famer to the list.
Schultz was inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame during their game against the Devils on Monday night. While he only played 4 full seasons for the Flyers, his impact, both figuratively and literally, left a lasting impression on Philadelphia sports.
Schultz was the quintessential enforcer, protecting his teammates while striking fear in the hearts of his opponents. The Hammer played aggressive and never backed down from a fight. It earned him a reputation as one of the toughest players in the history of the NHL. It also earned him a ton of time in the penalty box. His 472 penalty minutes during the 74-75 season is an NHL record that still holds today.
But he did much more than rough people up. As a left wing, Schultz was a skilled offensive player, scoring 20 goals for the Flyers during the 73-74 season. He also played an integral role during the team’s Stanley cup wins in 1974 and 1975.
Schultz would later go on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins, LA Kings, and Buffalo Sabres. Yet while he made considerable contributions to those teams, he’ll forever be best known as one of the Broad Street Bullies. His induction into the Flyers Hall of Fame couldn’t have come soon enough. Here’s to the Hammer.
Posted Monday, Nov 16, 2009 - 10:21 PM EST
