By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer
Many this month are letting their facial hair run wild as part of "No Shave November." However, a select few choose to swap out a full beard for just a mustache; thus the synonymous tradition of "Movember." Both month-long activities serve as symbols for Men's Health Awareness just as the pink ribbon symbolizes the fight against breast cancer.
In the National Hockey League, whether it be Movember or not, many marvelous mustaches have come and gone throughout the years. As the Flyers are in the midst of the current season, it's time to take a look back at some of the most iconic "mo's" in franchise history:
Claude Giroux
Throughout his time as a Flyer, Claude Giroux has cemented himself as one of the league's elite talents. Now in his 13th season with the club, he's racked up all-time stats with 774 points in 837 games. Currently, the captain has posted 12 points through 17 games and sits in fourth place on the team's all-time scoring list. Aside from his scoring abilities, Giroux also has the ability to sport some fantastic facial hair.
Ron Hextall
Despite what may be said of Ron Hextall since his firing as the former general manager, his time as a player wasn't something to overlook. As part of the Flyers franchise for 11 seasons, the former goaltender earned multiple accolades. In his rookie season, Hextall earned the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie. In addition, he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 1987 Stanley Cup Final despite the Flyers loss to the Edmonton Oilers. He is one of only five players in history to win the award as part of a losing team.
Hextall was also the first ever goaltender to score a goal by shooting the puck into the opposition's net. He scored first against the Boston Bruins in the 1987-88 season and did it again the following year against the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Rick MacLeish
As one of the original Broad Street Bullies, Rick MacLeish was an icon in Philadelphia. He was a part of the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, scoring the only goal of the Flyers first Cup win in Game 6 against Boston, playing a total of 12 seasons with the Flyers. In the 1972-73 season, MacLeish was the first ever Flyer to record a 50-goal season and also added 50 assists. Throughout his career, he posted 759 points in 846 games. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 66 on May 31, 2016. However, his contribution to the team and the city will always be remembered.
Scott Hartnell
As arguably one of the greatest fan favorites to ever wear the Flyers crest, Scott Hartnell also wore a great mustache. Known for his unorthodox yet successful style of play, Hartnell solidified himself as one of the greatest ever in Orange and Black. In seven seasons with the team, the winger became an icon. From his humorous falls inspiring the "#HartnellDown" movement to his Hulk Hogan inspired move in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hartnell was always entertaining. On Oct. 1, 2018, the long-time Flyer decided to call it quits and hung up the skates for good.
Dave Schultz
Last but certainly not least there's the original enforcer, Dave Schultz. Nicknamed "The Hammer", Schultz garnered an infamous reputation as one of the toughest players to ever grace a sheet of NHL ice. On top of two Stanley Cup Championships, he also holds the single season penalty minutes record racking up a total of 472 PIMs in the 1974-1975 season. Throughout his entire playing career, Schultz accrued a staggering 2,294 penalty minutes. Aside from being mean on the ice, "The Hammer" donned a mean looking mustache on his face.