As pandemic restrictions have been largely removed throughout the region, the Flyers announced before the season that each player on the team would be paired with a local charitable or community-focused initiative. The idea to create a Hockey & Hounds roster was inspired by a recent visit to PSPCA by Flyers defensemen and advocates for animal welfare Ivan Provorov and Rasmus Ristolainen. Last week, the pair made a special visit to PSPCA to tour the facility, make the dogs special treats, and learn more about animal rescue and welfare.
"It's such a great thing that PSPCA and PAWS are supporting all of these animals. I got to see firsthand how much love and effort they put into caring for them. They're an amazing group of people," said Provorov. "I also know our team is making a big effort to be more involved in our community and this is really cool that each of the pups will have our names attached to them."
Currently located at PSPCA (North Philadelphia) and looking for their home team, the roster consists of 26 chihuahuas recently rescued together by the PSPCA's Humane Law Enforcement team together who are named after each player on the Flyers 22-23 roster. In addition to Risto and Provy, are Sarge (Scott Laughton), Hayesy (Kevin Hayes), Beezer (Joel Farabee), and others.
"I think it's awesome that every guy on the roster will have a pup named after them," said Ristolainen. "Especially since now there will be a 'Risto' up for adoption."
Rounding out the roster and honoring Flyers local alumni Brad Marsh, Bob Kelly, Todd Fedoruk, Jim Watson, and Joe Watson are Marshy, Hound, Fridge, and Watson. The four dogs named in honor of the alumni are currently located at PAWS (Old City). Learn more about Marshy, Hound, Fridge, and Watson here.
"My fellow Alumni and I are excited to team up with the Flyers to help these local pups find a home," said Brad Marsh, President of Flyers Alumni. "We are honored to have them named after us and we hope with some extra awareness we can help get them adopted."
Earlier this season, the Flyers and Coach Tortorella teamed up with PAWS and PSPCA to launch Hockey & Hounds to bring attention and awareness to local animals who are looking for a forever home.
"We are thrilled to hear about what PSPCA and PAWS is doing with these dogs and it's fantastic to have them all associated with the Flyers in this way to help their cause for adoption," said Tortorella. "Since my family and I got here, we've seen the tremendous work they have done in caring for and fostering animals. It is our hope that the platform created with these groups and the Philadelphia Flyers brings more attention to their work and the help that is critical towards finding these animals a forever home."
Each week, an adoptable dog from either PSPCA or PAWS are featured on 97.5 The Fanatic's Hockey & Hounds segment, and highlighted at
PhiladelphiaFlyers.com/HockeyandHounds
in hopes of finding a forever home.
