The Broad Street Bullies

The Broad Street Bullies were a notorious group of players on the Philadelphia Flyers team in the 1970s who were known for their tough, physical style of play. The name “Broad Street Bullies” was coined by Jack Chevalier, a writer for the Philadelphia Bulletin, after a game in 1973 in which the Flyers had a number of fights.

The Bullies were led by Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz, and other tough players who were willing to drop the gloves and fight to protect their teammates. They won two Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975, and their style of play made them one of the most feared teams in the league.

However, the Bullies were also controversial, with some critics arguing that their style of play was too violent and unsportsmanlike. In particular, the team’s treatment of the Soviet Union’s national team during an exhibition game in 1976 drew widespread condemnation.

Despite the controversy, the Broad Street Bullies remain a significant part of Philadelphia Flyers history. The team’s tough, physical style of play helped define an era of hockey and cemented the Flyers’ reputation as a team that would fight for every inch of the ice.