In 1966, on February 9, the NHL took a bold step it had resisted for many years: recognizing that the sport needed to evolve alongside a changing world. After 24 seasons with just six teams in a closed league, the NHL announced plans to expand by adding six new franchises for the 1967-68 season. This expansion aimed to reach broader regional audiences, increase competition on the ice, and most notably, bring hockey back to Philadelphia.
A City with an Unbreakable Love for Hockey
Philadelphia had not hosted an NHL team since the Quakers disbanded during the Depression in 1931 after a disappointing season. Nonetheless, the city’s passion for hockey persisted through minor league teams and active rink culture, even if the sport’s highest levels seemed distant. By the mid-1960s, however, Philadelphia had transformed into a major league sports city—louder, bigger, and more vibrant. The Spectrum arena, located in South Philadelphia, symbolized this shift; it was a modern, spectacle-ready venue built to house not just hockey but major sporting events overall.
For the NHL, these developments were crucial. Television audiences, regional markets, and ticket sales all heavily influenced the league’s strategy. At the same time, competition from the Western Hockey League and demands from American TV networks pushed the NHL to expand or risk losing relevance. That February, the league announced six new franchises in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, marking the birth of what was called the “Second Six.”
Why Was Philadelphia the Catalyst?
Philadelphia represented a safe, promising investment for the NHL. The city was already passionate about major sports, with teams like the Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers enjoying popularity. Coupled with a high-tech arena and a population eager for the sport’s relevance, the Flyers’ creation seemed inevitable even before their name was chosen. Elevator pitch: ownership mattered. Ed Snyder, the key figure behind the franchise, wanted a team that would immediately be impactful and aggressive on the ice. The selection of the “Flyers” name—coined by Snyder’s sister Phyllis—reflected a modern, fast-paced identity, breaking away from traditional league aesthetics. The orange and black colors further emphasized this fresh approach, signaling a franchise unafraid to stand out and be shamelessly forward-looking. The NHL certainly took notice.
The Birth of a Rough-and-Tumble Powerhouse
When the Flyers debuted in the 1967-68 season, it was clear that tough times lay ahead. The expansion draft offered limited star talent—mostly overlooked players and hopefuls—which suited the Flyers’ scrappy, aggressive identity. They quickly earned a reputation as “The Bully of Broad Street,” embodying toughness and grit from the start—qualities that initially made them unpopular and undervalued. Yet, within a decade, the Flyers became one of the league’s most iconic franchises, known for their fierce style and bold achievements, including winning the Stanley Cup during the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons, and even defeating the formidable Soviet Red Army team at their peak.
Back in 1966, however, none of this was assured. At the time, NHL expansion was driven by a mixture of league survival, urban enthusiasm for hockey, and the belief that the sport could thrive in unlikely markets.
Fan Take: This historic expansion and the return of hockey to Philadelphia show how the sport continually adapts and grows. For hockey fans, it’s a reminder that markets and passion can shape champions and legends—making every new chapter of NHL history an exciting prospect.
