Philadelphia Blazers Beanie
Originally slated for Miami, the WHL's Screaming Eagles were moved to Philadelphia at the last minute prior to the 72-73 season and renamed the Blazers. Shortly after the relocation, they came to contract terms with Derek Sanderson, signing him for $2.6 million over 5 years, at the time the highest salary ever paid to a professional sports player. They also signed former Flyer Bernie Parent in net, who failed to get picked up by an NHL team.
Despite the stars, the Blazers only lasted 1 season, as injuries and off-ice struggles with Sanderson plagued the promising team and therefore ticket sales suffered. The Blazers were moved to Vancouver for the '73-74 season.
Originally slated for Miami, the WHL's Screaming Eagles were moved to Philadelphia at the last minute prior to the 72-73 season and renamed the Blazers. Shortly after the relocation, they came to contract terms with Derek Sanderson, signing him for $2.6 million over 5 years, at the time the highest salary ever paid to a professional sports player. They also signed former Flyer Bernie Parent in net, who failed to get picked up by an NHL team.
Despite the stars, the Blazers only lasted 1 season, as injuries and off-ice struggles with Sanderson plagued the promising team and therefore ticket sales suffered. The Blazers were moved to Vancouver for the '73-74 season.
