Title
Honoring Bobby Clarke, a Philadelphia Sports Icon, for his distinguished career as a player, general manager, senior vice-president and president of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Body
WHEREAS, On October 22, 2006, Bobby Clarke announced his resignation as general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers; and
WHEREAS, During his celebrated career as a player (1969-1984), Bobby Clarke captained the Flyers to their only Stanley Cup Championships during the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons; and
WHEREAS, During his stellar career as a player, Bob Clarke led the team in assists 11 times; in scoring on 8 different occasions; participated in 8 NHL All-Star Games; and was named as an NHL First Team All-Star twice and as a Second Team All-Star twice; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Clarke finished his career as the Flyers all-time leading scorer with 1,210 points (358 goals & 852 assists) in 1,144 games as he averaged over one point per game over the course of his career; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Clarke won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the MVP 3 times; the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey; the Lester Patrick Award for outstanding service to hockey in the United States and the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association have named him the 1974 “Athlete of the Year”; the “Most Courageous Athlete” in 1980; the “Good Guy” Award in 1982-83 and finally, recognized him as a “Living Legend” in 2001; and
WHEREAS, During his 19 years as a Flyers executive, his teams compiled a record of 714-443-199, including 16 playoff appearance, eight division titles, three Eastern Conference championship and three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals; and
WHEREAS, By winning two consecutive championships and remaining in contention for the NHL championship every year, Bobby Clarke and the Flyers changed the climate of Philly sports. Mike Schmidt would lead the Phillies to the playoffs and eventually win a world championship in 1980. Dick Vermeil changed the losing ways of the Eagles and led them to the Super Bowl in 1980 while Doctor J and the Sixers became a perennial playoff contender and won an NBA title in 1982-83; and
WHEREAS, Bob Clarke has been referred to as the “Ultimate Flyer” and the “Heart and Soul of the Flyers.” He was part of a golden decade in Philadelphia Sports when the Flyers, Phillies, Sixers and Eagles produced winning teams and Philadelphia was the Professional Sports Capital of the country. “Clarkie” and the Flyers got it all started. Bob Clarke and Philadelphia, an inseparable combination; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor Bobby Clarke, a Philadelphia Sports Icon, for his distinguished career as a player, general manager, senior vice-president and president of the Philadelphia Flyers.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bobby Clarke, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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