19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

PHILLY PHLEGM & FURY
Sir:
I have been a big fan of SI for the last 15 years, but your piece on the Philadelphia Flyers (The Team That People Just Love to Hate, Nov. 17) was a disgrace.
PETER S. DOONER III
Wynnewood, Pa.

Sir:
Larry Brooks' article on the Flyers was ridiculous. It's unfair to imply that the team is a "system" of intimidation. The Flyers have outstanding players who know how to play hockey the way it's supposed to be played, and intimidation is part of the game. Paul Holmgren, whom Brooks criticizes, happens to be a man who plants himself in front of the opposition's crease, where opponents try to knock him away. Yes, he gets penalties, but he can't be a nice guy and expect to be able to handle the position.
RAY WEINMANN JR.
Wynnewood, Pa.

Sir:
Call me a skeptic, but I don't believe the Flyers produced the best record in the NHL solely by the use of terrorist tactics.
RICHARD D. PEARCE
Wilmington, Del.

Sir:
Larry Brooks' article was absurd. The Flyers are a very talented hockey team. If a team wants to mix it up, the Flyers have the muscle to win. If the other team wants to skate, the Flyers have the speed to skate with them and win that way. A team that has won as consistently as the Flyers have during the past 10 years deserves some positive credit.
JIM WAGNER
Newtown Square, Pa.

Sir:
I agree that the NHL is in trouble because of violence and the selective application of the rules governing violence. However, to reinforce the bad reputation of the Flyers and imply that they're the sole cause of NHL violence is ridiculous.
S. GOTWOLS
Hatboro, Pa.

Sir:
Thank you for a terrific article on the real Philadelphia Flyers, the greatest bunch of cheapshots in the NHL.
TOM HANSON
Willmar, Minn.

Sir:
Your article on the Filthadelphia Flyers was accurate.
STEVE FOCARDI
Greenlawn, N.Y.

Sir:
I'm glad the dirty tactics used by the Flyers are being brought to light. Their crude methods are nothing new, but maybe the slow-moving NHL directors will see the light.
SUE SMITH
Buffalo

Sir:
I'm a hockey fan and a longtime Flyer follower, but your article served as a painful reminder: How long can any professional sport condone, indeed encourage, violence that an average citizen could be arrested for?

Wake up, NHL, before someone gets killed.
CHUCK EGNER
East Thetford, Vt.