“Thundermouth” By Joe Watson Is A Must Read For Flyers Fans

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about one of the most legendary careers in the history of the Philadelphia Flyers organization coming to an end when Joe Watson played his final game in a Flyers uniform at the 2024 Flyers Alumni Game.

Joe Watson suited up for the Flyers in seven different decades and has seen a lot of hockey and other fun things during his life, so as a result of that, he decided there was only one appropriate way to document all of it — he wrote a book!

The book is titled, “Thundermouth,” and it is the memoirs of a Broad Street Bully and an NHL lifer.

I highly recommend checking this book out. Even if you are not necessarily a Flyers fan, this book is incredibly entertaining. However, if you are a Flyers fan, this book is an absolute must-read — no exceptions!

After all, we are talking about Joe Watson, a player who played for both the 1973-1974 and 1974-1975 Flyers teams that won the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years. The last time the team won the Cup mind you!

Funnily enough, that was the last team in history where every single player was a Canadian Citizen. There’s a future trivia question for you!

I’ve been friends with Joe Watson for over 30 years, and I consider myself extremely lucky to call him a dear friend!

Joe is a great father to Heidi and Ryan and a great husband to his lovely wife Jamie!

Steve and I were fortunate enough to have Joe Watson on The Matt Cord Show With Steve Vassalotti the other day, and it was such a treat!

We got to hear a ton of stories ranging from growing up in Smithers, British Columbia, all the way to some funny stories from him pranking his teammates.

I’ll link the full podcast for you below!

Don’t forget to go check out Joe Watson’s book “Thundermouth” and let me know what you think!

https://wmgk.com/episodes/the-matt-cord-show-w-steve-vassalotti-flyers-joe-watson-interview/

It’s not too common for hockey players from the Philadelphia area to play in the NHL. The prospect hotbeds of the Ontario Hockey League and other junior levels in Canada produce a much higher percentage of the talent pool at the professional level.

However, local success stories become more impressive when they’re not as common. The career of Johnny Gaudreau has captivated fans of the Philadelphia Flyers.

If you need proof, just think back to the burst of outrage in 2022 when the Flyers passed on the opportunity to sign the South Jersey native for a homecoming. "Johnny Hockey" headlines the influx of NHL talent from the state of New Jersey during the 21st century. Bobby Ryan, Tony DeAngelo, and James and Trevor van Riemsdyk have also built up the reputation of the Garden State.

The city of Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs haven’t produced the most accomplished NHLers. Mike Richter from Abington became the star of the New York Rangers during the 1990s. He also carried Team USA in international competition. Journeyman Mark Eaton also became the pride of Wilmington, Delaware in 13 NHL seasons.

A prominent NHL franchise like the Flyers also means that sons of former professionals have local connections. Two prominent examples made the list. How do you define the word local though? For the purposes of a good list, the entire of state of New Jersey needed to qualify to solidify the goaltending position.

97.5 The Fanatic has put together rosters of the best professional athletes from the Philadelphia area who could make up rosters of the four major sports franchises.

Any roster of local players has to start with Johnny Gaudreau. The South Jersey native blossomed into an NHL superstar in nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before moving to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’ll likely retire as the most accomplished NHL player with local connections.

The Mercer County, New Jersey native scored the game-winning goal of the Stanley Cup clincher for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Colton has developed into a strong depth scoring option in a full-time NHL role with the Colorado Avalanche.

Isn’t he from Finland? Kasperi Kapanen spoke highly of childhood years spent in the area days before the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft at the Wells Fargo Center. His father Sami Kapanen spent five seasons with the Flyers from 2002-03 through 2007-08, and his son made Philadelphia his quasi-hometown. 

DeAngelo spent his only season in Philadelphia in 2022-23. He spoke during his introductory press conference about cheering for the Flyers while growing up in South Jersey and his family’s roots in South Philly. His skill set provides a solid option as a power-play defenseman.

The Buffalo Sabes drafted Mattias Samuelsson in the second round in 2018. His father Kjell spent nine of his 14 NHL seasons with the Flyers. His sister has also become a respected member of the Flyers organization in a PR role. His background of exposure to the organization helped prepare him for the NHL level.

The young defenseman has developed into a strong option for a franchise looking to shake loose of a brutal stretch of futility.

Does Edison, NJ count as a local connection? The Flyers drafted Anthony Stolarz in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He has put together a solid professional track record although he’s never been a full-time NHL starter.

Edison is closer to the New York market, but the Philadelphia area doesn’t have many options. You could bring Richter out of retirement to finalize the all-local roster. You could resort to the EBUG and start former Temple University goaltender Eric Semborski.

The local pool of talent has grown tremendously in recent seasons. However, a solid roster might not be able to compete without a full-time NHL goaltender. Stay tuned for the next Richter.