Keith Jones: Wayne Gretzky Almost Landed With The Philadelphia Flyers
Former Flyers right wing and newly-hired President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones is already making great strides to take the organization to the next level. “Jonesy” joined The Preston &…
EDMONTON, AB – APRIL 6: Former Edmonton Oilers forward Wayne Gretzky greets fans during the closing ceremonies at Rexall Place following the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks on April 6, 2016 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The game was the final game the Oilers played at Rexall Place before moving to Rogers Place next season. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
Codie McLachlan/Getty ImagesFormer Flyers right wing and newly-hired President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones is already making great strides to take the organization to the next level.
"Jonesy" joined The Preston & Steve Show to unveil the new Flyers jerseys. He rocked a burnt orange shirt to accompany the new burnt orange jersey theme.
The new uniform also features solid-colored numbers and thicker stripes. Not only does this make the number easier to see, but it is a nod to the original Flyers uniforms in 1967.
Independence Blue Cross has also announced a partnership that will include first-ever sponsored patch on a Flyers jersey.
After the full rundown of the jersey, it was time to talk hockey. Jonesy covered the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs as a national broadcaster to cap off his long career in the industry. He mentioned it felt weird traveling to a warm destination, like Florida or Vegas, to cover hockey.
After Vegas won the Stanley Cup, Jonesy did not even bother to stay and interview the players. He already had one foot out the door ready to shoot for his next goal: bringing that Stanley Cup to Philadelphia.
Watch Keith Jones in studio with The Preston & Steve Show:
Wayne Gretzky- Flyers Great?
NHL legend and current TNT broadcaster Wayne Gretzky made a point to acknowledge his respect for Jones and Flyers franchise founder Ed Snider after the Stanley Cup.
“To Jonesy, good luck to you, man. We're all going to miss you, and we know you're going do a great job in Philadelphia. I know Mr. Snider's looking down, and he knows he got the right guy to do that job. Good luck to you, Jonesy.” -Wayne Gretzky
Not a bad farewell from the greatest hockey player who ever lived.
Jones admitted it was actually his first time hearing the audio. He went on to express his gratitude and love for his friendship with Gretzky. He even mentioned that Gretzky actually lived next to Mr. Snider for a while.
“He is a very good friend. He was a very good friend of Mr. Snider. He almost came to Philadelphia. He almost came to play for the Flyers. He ended up going to New York. He's told me the story many times. He thought he was coming to Philadelphia... he loves the Flyers.” -Keith Jones
Gretzky signed with the New York Rangers in July 1996 just over two years before Jones came to the Flyers. Imagine "The Great One" wearing orange and black.
The revered brand might be even more respected if Wayne Gretzky Flyers jerseys started flying off the shelves in the late 1990s.
"He holds our team and our franchise in high esteem." -Keith Jones
Keith Jones has more stories than almost anyone you'll meet, and he saved another stunner about an NHL legend for Preston & Steve.
The Philadelphia Flyers hosted their first Pearl Jam Night at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
The buzz around the arena started early. Fans showed up an hour before the puck dropped to celebrate one of their favorite bands.
They grabbed their t-shirts with the clever design of “Grittman/Stickman” and enjoyed a live performance by the Ledbetters, the ultimate Pearl Jam tribute band, at the East Food Hall & Bar inside the Wells Fargo Center before the game started.
They got the opportunity to take pictures with the famous Ten banner raised into the rafters at the Well Fargo Center during Pearl Jam’s Philadelphia show on the album’s 25th anniversary tour in 2016.
MMR at Pearl Jam Night
Pearl Jam Night celebrated the band, their connection to Philadelphia, and MMR’s love for Pearl Jam.
It’s been 10 years since Eddie Vedder gave a shout out on stage to Pierre Robert, Nick McIlwain, and Matt Cord (now with our sister station WMGK), but of course the station got involved in a local celebration of a legendary ‘90s grunge band.
Steve Morrison and Nick McIlwain joined the party at the Wells Fargo Center. Steve fired up the pregame crowd by banging the drum during the “Let’s Go Flyers” chant just before the opening faceoff.
The Flyers beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Fans enjoyed a late-season win and the memory of an all-time great local performance from Pearl Jam.
"Ten" Banner from 2016 Show in Philadelphia
WMMRThe memorable show on April 29, 2016 helped cement Pearl Jam as a Philly favorite.
Grittman/Stickman T-Shirt
Of course, everyone's favorite mascot Gritty would be involved in a creative t-shirt for Pearl Jam Night.
Fans at the Entrance
Fans lined up down the sidewalk outside the Wells Fargo Center to be the first ones inside to see the Ledbetters.
Fans in Line at East Food Hall & Bar
The lines to get the Grittman/Stickman t-shirts filled up fast.
The Ledbetters at East Food Hall & Bar
The Ledbetters performed an hour before the game began.
The Ledbetters at East Food Hall & Bar
The Ledbetters paid tribute to Pearl Jam.
The Ledbetters at East Food Hall & Bar
They played some of the band's biggest hits.
The Ledbetters at East Food Hall & Bar
The Ledbetters rocked the East Food Hall & Bar area at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Ledbetters at East Food Hall & Bar
They even showed some Flyers spirit.
Packed Crowd to See the Ledbetters
Fans packed the bar area early to see the Ledbetters.
The Wells Fargo Center
The Flyers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Fans in Line at the "Ten" Banner
Fans raced for a chance to take a photo with the famous "Ten" banner from 2016.
Grittman/Stickman T-Shirts Ready to Go
Everyone loves a nice Gritty t-shirt.
T-Shirt Stations
The Flyers set up t-shirt stations for fans who came out for Pearl Jam Night.
Nick and Steve with Scott Hartnell
BBGI PhiladelphiaNick and Steve caught up with former Flyers forward Scott Hartnell.
Steve Banging the Drum
MMR couldn't help but get involved in a celebration of a legendary grunge band.
Everett and Steve
Steve pumped up the crowd with a "Let's Go Flyers" chant just before the opening faceoff.
