If there were ever two Flyers that should forever be remembered together, it is Eric Lindros and John LeClair. Tonight, the Philadelphia Flyers did the correct thing as two thirds of the most feared line in hockey during the mid 1990's were inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame together.
Everyone knew Eric Lindros was a star. His combination of size, speed, skill, strength and intensity were the hockey equivalent of a five tool baseball player. While individually the Big E had success, the team did not. They were struggling and struggling mightily.
One day in 1995, general manager Bob Clarke made a deal that would change the franchise. Clarke traded fan favorite Mark Reechi to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Eric Desjardins and forwards Gilbert Dionne and John LeClair.
An unknown to us here in Philly, LeClair would not stay unknown for long. LeClair became an All-Star and a fifty goal scorer. He had one of the hardest shots in the league and when he was paired with Lindros and Mikael Renberg, well, the rest is history.
Tonight we honor these two gladiators. Two men who were intsrumental in turning the franchise around and making them contenders once again. It has been far too long since we have heard their names inside the confines of the Wells Fargo Center. Thankfully their names will be there forever. Welcome Home Boys, Welcome Home.
The Ceremony:
If there was a common theme between the two players it was respect. Both LeClair and Lindros credit each other for their mutual success. It was only fitting that Mikael Renberg presented them their statues tonight. The Legion of Doom was reunited one more time for all to see.
Both men seemed humbled and honored. They spoke about their time in the city and reflected on the best moments of their careers. From tributes to their youth, high school and college coaches to thanking the greatest fans in all of hockey, the two inductees were grateful for the honor they received tonight.
It was tough to hold back the tears as the stadium took a stroll down memory lane. We were reminded just how great these two men really were. The things they did, the accomplishments they acheived and most of all the thrill they gave us was unmatched during their time in orange and black.
They defined an era. They took us to the brink of a championship. They revived a team when it needed it most. Eric Lindros and John LeClair were most deserving of the honor. Most importantly, the bond they shared on the ice and with the fans, they still share with each other.
No two players in Flyers history are more linked to each other than these two and after tonight, they will be forever together where they belong. Congratulations Eric Lindros and John LeClair. All of us thank you for what you did for this team, this city, and us, the fans.
Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on Twitter @wtfd103074.
