Cup Final Creates Memories For Oiler Scout
Steve McCall
Tulsa Oilers Broadcaster/Media Relations Director
One Tulsan has a special interest in this year’s Stanley Cup final pitting the Philadelphia Flyers against the Chicago Blackhawks. His handprint was all over the Flyers’ previous titles in 1974 and ’75.
Tulsa Oilers scout emeritus Fred Gibbon was a scout for Philadelphia when the Flyers were known as the Broad Street Bullies and became the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup. He proudly wears his Stanley Cup ring from 1974 and folks around Tulsa may spot in various restaurants a picture of Fred accompanying the Stanley Cup back to Philadelphia on the team flight back from Buffalo.
The 87-year old Gibbon is as pry as ever and fondly remembers his days with the Flyers’ organization. He was instrumental in building a piece of the Flyers Stanley Cup puzzle.
“Rick MacLeish was in the Boston organization and they had him playing in Oklahoma City. One of our other scouts and I really liked him and told the flyers they should trade for this guy,” Gibbon recalls with a mind like a finely sharpened skate. “We made the trade and MacLeish became one of our key players. He scored the only goal in the clinching game of our first championship against Boston.”
MacLeish’s first period goal on May 19, 1974 stood up giving the flyers a 1-0 victory and the Stanley cup four games to two. He was with the Flyers the next year in their second title run, and played in three all-star games.
The Oilers are hosting watch parties for all games of the Stanley Cup final at the River Spirit Casino at 81st and Riverside. All games start at 7 p.m. with game one on Saturday night.
The Oilers had the second highest point total increase in the this season under head coach Bruce Ramsay, who was in his first season with the Oilers. They will have 32 home games at the Center in the 2010-11 season.
Season tickets for 2010-11 with plans for as low as $26 a month are now available by calling the Oilers office at 918-632- (7825).
Updated 05-28-2010
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