Flyers receive messages from those who the team has positively impacted

In advance of Game Two, Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday, August 26, the Philadelphia Flyers were surprised with special video messages from some familiar faces. More than 30 Flyers fans and community heroes who have had their own unique experiences with their favorite team sent messages of gratitude, support, and encouragement as the Orange and Black continue their quest for the Cup from Toronto.
In the video, these fans share their encounters with the team and the impact those experiences continue to have on their lives. When they needed it most, the players were there for them, and now, they are returning the favor.

Below are some of the stories these fans shared, some going as far back as five years ago, that they continue to reflect on today.
- Emily, Mike and Jack Callahan - At just four years old, Jack Callahan was battling a rare and intense form of cancer and was staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, Pa. while receiving treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). A Charlottesville, Va. native, Jack fell in love with the Flyers and his new favorite mascot, Gritty. In October of 2019, the team surprised Jack and his family with a visit and threw the mega-fan a special, Gritty-themed birthday party. - Tony Campisi - A now-15-year-old from Mechanicsburg, Pa., Tony was a 2015 Make-A-Wish child who lived his life-long dream to be a Flyer. In February of 2015, Tony signed a one-day contract with the team, participated in Flyers practice, and was even treated to dinner and a visit to Dave & Buster's by Jakub Voracek. - Chris "Higgsy" Higgs, Bobby Prushinski, Erik Carlson, Nicholas Dawson, and Tim Palermo - These members of the Flyers Youth Special Hockey Team, along with more than 20 other team members, recently had the chance to attend Flyers practice and skate with their heroes in February of 2020. Carter Hart and Brian Elliott spent extra time during the practice working with the team's goalie. Flyers Youth Special Hockey provides an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, Autism, and other learning delays to learn and participate in the sport of hockey in a meaningful way. - Nora Cothren - Nora is the Philadelphia Regional Manager for the You Can Play Project, an organization that works to ensure safety and inclusion for LGBTQ+ athletes. Nora has partnered with the team, including current You Can Play Ambassadors James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton, for several years to help plan the Flyers Annual Pride Night and year-round Hockey is for Everyone initiatives. - Bill Dischinger - Dischinger, of Philadelphia, Pa., represents the Philadelphia Fire Fighters of Engine 41, Ladder 24. - Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Players pay visits to the PICU at CHOP several times a year to raise the spirits of patients. Shayne Gostisbehere's fianceé, Gina Valentine, is also a nurse on this same floor. - Pennsylvania Army National Guard - Members of Troop A, 1st Squadron 104th Calvary Regiment - Johnny Van Kemp - A 15-year-old from Summerfield, N.C., Van Kemp calls the Flyers his favorite team. While undergoing treatment for Leukemia at Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Johnny got to spend the day with the Flyers players and coaches at their practice facility. - Jacob Orlick - A 12-year-old from Ambler, Pa., Jacob beat Ewing's Sarcoma, the same form of cancer that Oskar Lindblom battled. Jacob, who was deemed cancer-free after 14 months of chemotherapy, had to have his leg amputated as a result of the disease. In February of 2020, he attended a Flyers game with his family and was surprised by a special pre-game meeting with the entire team, as well as an autographed stick and puck from Lindblom himself. - Liam Miller- Miller, of Doylestown, Pa., serves as captain of the Philadelphia Flyers Power Play Wheelchair Hockey Team, a Flyers-affiliated power wheelchair floor hockey team founded with the purpose of providing an athletic and social environment for people who use power wheelchairs in their daily lives. In December of 2018, the team received a special visit from Oskar Lindblom and Robert Hagg, who served as honorary coaches for the day's game. In September of 2017, Jakub Voracek presented the Power Play team with their first orange and black official Flyers jerseys.