Photos by Kevin Durso/Flyerdelphia
For over a decade, Eric Desjardins was the central figure on the Flyers blue line. Now he is among the greats whose names hang from the rafters of Wells Fargo Center.
Desjardins became the 23rd member of the Flyers Hall of Fame on Thursday night prior to the Flyers game against the Buffalo Sabres. He was also the third to receive the honor this season, joining longtime teammates Eric Lindros and John LeClair – both of whom were in attendance for the ceremony.
"Being inducted to the Hall of Fame of the Flyers among all those great players is an incredible feeling," Desjardins said. "I remember [the trade] like it was yesterday and I never thought it would lead to this night."
For 11 seasons, Desjardins was not only the Flyers best defenseman – winning the team's Barry Ashbee Memorial Award a record seven times – but also a pure leader. In his speech, Desjardins thanked his coaches in Philadelphia, each for bringing out something different in him.
"In my first years, Terry Murray gave me confidence to become a leader," Desjardins said. "The late Roger Neilson taught me so much about life and the game. And my last coach, Ken Hitchcock, was very demanding and made me a better player."
Before Desjardins stepped to the podium. His long-time defensive partner Chris Therien spoke candidly about the player teammates and fans affectionately called 'Rico.' Ultimately, Therien offered a sincere message for his friend and teammate, calling him the greatest defenseman in franchise history.
"Someone once asked me who the best player I ever played with was," Therien said. "It's Eric Desjardins.
"The biggest gift he had was the ability to calm down an entire lineup when things got hairy during games. You could always count on Eric Desjardins to be the guy to step up."
It was on Feb. 9, 1995 that Desjardins became a member of the Flyers in a trade with LeClair. Therien recognized that trade as a turning point in the franchise's history.
For Desjardins, who was 26 when the trade occurred, he admitted his fears about playing in Philadelphia, but said that he soon adjusted to life on the Flyers blue line.
Desjardins thanked his teammates, including LeClair, Lindros, Therien, Ron Hextall, Keith Primeau and Shjon Podein, who were all in attendance. He cited those players and several others as the reason he was being honored.
"I've played with many teammates who are great people," Desjardins said. "This is the main reason why I'm here today."
Finally, to close, Desjardins thanked the Flyers fans. He admitted that Flyers fans are brutally honest and very demanding, but added that the intimidation factor they brought to Wells Fargo Center is one that can not be matched.
"Ever since I got to Philly, I felt that I was part of the family. The fans are part of this great family," Desjardins said. "You are loyal, you are honest, you are certainly demanding and you make it tough for opponents to play in this building. And you sure inspired us."
Desjardins was presented with his bronze bust and also a painting as a gift from the Flyers organization.
Finally, the Hall of Fame banner bearing his name was revealed and raised to the rafters, completing a memorable night for Desjardins and his family.
Congratulations to the newest member of the Flyers Hall of Fame, Eric Desjardins.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
