Gene Hart - A Tribute
1931-1999

Photo care of Hockey Hall of Fame

In the history of Philadelphia sports there are certain announcers identified with specific sports. When we think of Phillies baseball we will always think of By Sam, Richie Ashburn, Harry Kalas and Bill Campbell. When we think of Eagles football, we think or Merrill Reese. When we think of Flyers Hockey we think of Gene Hart.

Gene Hart, the original radio and TV announcer for the Philadelphia Flyers died on Wednesday after a long battle with the complications of heart, liver and kidney disease, diabetes and cancer. For more than a quarter of a century Hart was the voice of the Flyers. We will always remember his call at the end of the sixth game of the 1974 Stanley Cup finals as on May 19, 1974, the Flyers prevailed in a 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins. The call was simple yet will remain a part of broadcasting history - "The Flyers win the Stanley Cup! The Flyers win the Stanley Cup!"

Hart was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997. He was the 17th broadcaster to be inducted.

On Sunday, July 18, 1999 a memorial service will be held at the First Union Center from 1 to 3 p.m. The service will include a video tribute as well performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Opera Company. Opera was Hart's passion away from hockey. Members of the Flyers family will also take part in the tribute.

Additonal Information

Score!: My Twenty-Five Years with the Broad Street Bullies
Gene Hart's book about his quarter of a century as the voice of the Philadelphia Flyers.

25 Years: The Silver Anniversary of a Golden Year
Gene Hart writes about that golden moment in 1974 when the Flyers won the Stanley Cup.

Former Philadelphia Flyers announcer Gene Hart dies
Details on the last days of Gene Hart as published in the Boston Globe.

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