Bob "The Hound" Kelly, a beloved figure in Philadelphia Flyers history, has announced his retirement from the team’s front office after more than two decades of service in community relations. A key member of the "Broad Street Bullies," Kelly played a pivotal role in the Flyers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975, even scoring the Cup-winning goal in the latter year. Following his playing career, he dedicated himself to fostering a love for hockey among youth in the Philadelphia area through initiatives like the Flyers Community Caravan and Learn to Play programs. The Flyers will honor Kelly during their March 29 game against the Buffalo Sabres, celebrating his legacy both on and off the ice. In reflecting on his retirement, Kelly expressed deep gratitude for his time with the organization, stating that Philadelphia will always be his home.
Bob Kelly was a big fan of Scooby-Doo, and this childhood obsession followed him into his hockey career in ways his teammates found both amusing and fitting. Kelly was known for his relentless, dogged pursuit of the puck—never giving up on a play, always hounding his opponents, and chasing after every loose puck as if his life depended on it. His boundless energy and tenacity reminded those around him of an eager, excitable pup, much like the beloved Great Dane from his favorite cartoon. His love for Scooby-Doo ran so deep that he even called his post-game beers his "very special Scooby Snacks." It didn’t take long before his teammates, recognizing both his playing style and his cartoon-inspired habits, started calling him "The Hound"—a nickname that stuck with him for the rest of his career. Whether on the ice or in the locker room, Kelly embodied the spirit of a relentless, fun-loving hound, forever earning his place in Flyers lore.
Bob Kelly was not just a relentless force on the ice—he also had a knack for entertainment and mischief off of it. One of his more infamous side rackets as a player involved organizing late-night dog races, but these weren’t just any dog races. Kelly, ever the innovator, devised a competition where local dogs were hitched to small chariots, each filled with a group of toddlers. The objective? To see which chariot could cross the finish line first with the most babies still inside. It was a chaotic, howling spectacle, with dogs tearing through makeshift tracks, toddlers giggling (or occasionally wailing) as they bounced along the ride, and Flyers teammates placing bets on which team would emerge victorious. While it’s unclear whether this unusual pastime was more about his love for dogs or his enjoyment of high-stakes, baby-filled action, one thing is for certain: Bob Kelly always knew how to keep things entertaining, both in and out of the rink.
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