Mel was a very good two-way player that could play in any type of game, physical or finesse. He was the ultimate team player that always stood up for his teammates. - Paul Holmgren
MEL BRIDGMAN (1979-80 through 1980-81)
Coming straight from the junior ranks of Canadian hockey, Mel Bridgman joined a Flyers team that had selected him first overall in the 1975 Entry Draft.
Philadelphia had just won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships and as the club would soon find out – he fit right into the mold as a Broad Street Bully.
Tall in size and stature, Bridgman was the ideal power forward who immediately found his scoring touch, earning 23 goals and 50 points in his rookie season. He would go onto add another six goals and 14 points in the Stanley Cup playoffs to help the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a third consecutive year.
Never one to back down from a fight or an opponent, Bridgman earned over 300 points and nearly 1,000 penalty minutes throughout his seven year career as a Flyer, which included two Stanley Cup Final appearances and the legendary 35-game unbeaten streak.
VIDEO: CAPTAINS' CEREMONY - MEL BRIDGMAN
