Philly Leader

A record 72 players from across 21 different U.S. states and Canadian provinces gathered in Philadelphia for the 2024 Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp at the University of Pennsylvania campus.

The annual Fantasy Camp in August is a highly anticipated event for both players and Flyers Alumni. This year's camp marked a special occasion: a 10th anniversary celebration on and off the ice that lasted from Friday to Monday.

Congratulations were extended to Steve Capoferri and the River Rock Academy team for winning their sixth Fantasy Cup championship. The squad defeated Team Toyota, 7-1, in the championship game. Team Results Guaranteed triumphed over Team Neumann University in the consolation game, with a score of 10-3.

Results Guaranteed forward Zach "Gunner" Stahl led the tournament in scoring with 17 points in four games (11 goals, 6 assists). Big River Rock center John Romano followed with 12 points (9 goals, 3 assists).

Twelve Flyers Alumni participated as coaches of the four teams:

- Results Guaranteed (white jerseys): Danny Briere, Brad Marsh, Dave Poulin

- Toyota (green jerseys): Andre Dupont, John LeClair, Patrick Sharp

- Neumann (black jerseys): Ian Laperriere, Keith Jones, Joe Watson

- River Rock (orange jerseys): Mark Howe, Mark Recchi, Paul Holmgren

The on-ice sessions at camp included one practice each, followed by three round-robin games and the consolation and championship matches.

Each year begins with a welcoming reception on opening night. All players are introduced by legendary Flyers public address announcer Lou Nolan. This year, coaches Joe Watson, Dupont and Kelly reminisced about the Flyers' 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup championship seasons with emcee Steve Coates.

On Saturday, there was an outing to a "mystery" location which took participants to a scenic dinner at a rowing club on Boathouse Row.

Sunday evening featured a Hot Stove session led by "Coatesy" with special Flyers/NHL Alumni guest speakers. For this year's anniversary celebration, Alumni president Marsh and camp organizers Kelly and Rob Baer arranged an exceptional experience. Participants toured Wells Fargo Center's illuminated passageway used by Flyers players on home game nights and visited the recently renovated locker rooms.

Dinner was held at Stephen Starr's Adrian restaurant before a Q&A session with emcee Steve Coates and panelists Sharp, Holmgren, LeClair and Recchi. Topics ranged from dealing with trades to parenting young athletes or non-athletes with recognized surnames. LeClair and Recchi shared heartfelt advice about supporting their children's pursuits.

A silent auction of unique Alumni collectibles was held to benefit various Flyers Alumni programs such as the "Twelve Days of Christmas" charitable giving program during the Holiday Season.

Before returning to their hotel on Sunday, Marsh previewed upcoming events for next year. In 2025, there will be an "Alumni Weekend" featuring three fundraising events: a pickleball tournament in Malvern; a Walk, Run or Bicycle event in Conshohocken; and the Alumni Golf Invitational at Dupont Country Club in Wilmington. Additionally, during the NHL offseason, Flyers Alumni will host a golfing vacation trip to Ireland.

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