Coatesy (Picture: Philadelphia Flyers)
Longtime PHILADELPHIA FLYERS broadcaster STEVE COATES has introduced his retirement, efficient after this season.
“COATESY,” who performed within the FLYERS’ minor league system in 1973-77 and made it to the NHL with the DETROIT RED WINGS for 5 video games in 1976-77, has been with the FLYERS’ broadcast workforce for 43 years, beginning as a radio coloration commentator alongside GENE HART on WIP-A/PHILADELPHIA. He served as studio host for FLYERS telecasts on then-independent WTAF-TV (now WTXF-TV (FOX 29)) in 1984-86 and unbiased WGBS-TV (PHILLY 57) in 1987-91, then moved again to the radio facet on WIP by way of 1999, when he returned to TV on COMCAST SPORTSNET as an analyst and, later, rinkside reporter. For the final 9 seasons, COATES has served as analyst on BEASLEY Sports activities WPEN-A (97.5 THE FANATIC) and Energetic Rock WMMR/PHILADELPHIA. He’ll proceed to work with the workforce and on FLYERS Alumni occasions.
“The PHILADELPHIA FLYERS group is in contrast to some other in skilled sports activities and it has really been my honor to have been part of it for thus a few years,” stated COATES. “This group has given me a house and a household. It has led me to forge lifelong relationships and the perfect of friendships with everybody I’ve had the privilege to work with alongside the best way. I’ve too many individuals to thank through the years for his or her help and steerage, however none of this might have been attainable with out the unbelievable group of FLYERS followers that I’ve met, and proceed to satisfy, each single day. Serving because the voice of the workforce for all my years, the one factor that’s plain is that the FLYERS emblem means one thing particular to all of us. For me, it represents a group whose ardour for his or her workforce is unequalled yr after yr. You’re the heartbeat of this workforce and I thanks for welcoming me into your lives.”
“The impression that STEVE COATES has had on this group and locally has been immeasurable throughout his 43 yr profession,” stated COMCAST SPECTACOR Chairman and FLYERS Governor DAVE SCOTT. “There is not any doubt that COATESY is among the sharpest analysts in hockey, whether or not its breaking down a sport, a participant, or scenario, however his impression on the FLYERS has been a lot better than that. What makes COATESY really distinctive is his capacity to attach with everybody he meets by way of his infectious and welcoming character – that is why he’ll all the time be beloved by our gamers, coaches, and followers. I’m fortunate to name COATESY a pal, and he’ll all the time be a part of the FLYERS household.”
“STEVE COATES is solely considered one of a form, and for 4 a long time, his voice has been synonymous with the PHILADELPHIA FLYERS and a number of the best moments in franchise historical past,” stated COMCAST SPECTACOR CEO DAN HILFERTY. “COATESY’s ardour for the sport and his love of the FLYERS are infectious, and although we’ll miss him on the radio broadcasts, he’ll all the time be a part of this group and a legendary determine in FLYERS historical past.”
“Coming to PHILADELPHIA 15 years in the past, it did not take very lengthy for me to know what made COATESY a particular a part of this group and the group,” stated Interim GM DANIEL BRIERE. “He has a pure capacity to make everybody really feel welcome and a real curiosity to satisfy, pay attention and assist anybody in want. His love of the FLYERS, however extra importantly the followers of this nice metropolis, is close to and pricey to his coronary heart and one thing that needs to be celebrated.”
A particular ceremony earlier than the APRIL 1st sport in opposition to the BUFFALO SABRES at WELLS FARGO CENTER will honor COATES.
