Ex-Flyers Winger Scott Hartnell Becomes U.S. Citizen on Friday

Scott Hartnell, who spent seven seasons as a Philadelphia Flyers left winger, became a U.S. citizen Friday during a naturalization ceremony at Rowan College at Burlington County, according Greg Volpe, executive director of strategic marketing and communications at the school.

He was among 100 people from over 40 countries, including Algeria and Vietnam, who took  the oath of allegiance and became U.S. citizens.

“The emotion in the room for these is off the charts,” Volpe said.

Hartnell, 40, said he was thrilled to become a U.S. citizen.

“I’ve spent half my life in the States. Love the USA,” he said 25 minutes before Friday’s 10 a.m. ceremony. “My wife is American, my kids are American, and I just wanted to follow the crew.”

Scott Hartell and his family. He just became a U.S. citizen. Photo: Zack Hill. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/HrtKlKGvHQ

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) September 16, 2022

Hartnell and his wife, Katie, and their three children, Wesley, Molly, and Emma, live in Haddonfield.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Hartnell is now a Philadelphia Flyers analyst with NBC Sports Philadelphia.  He spent 17 seasons in the NHL — seven with the Flyers, seven with Nashville, and three with Columbus. He retired after spending the 2017-18 season with Nashville.

During his NHL career, Hartnell scored 327 goals in 1,249 games; he had a career-high 37 goals with the Flyers in 2011-12.

Noah Cates ‘Not Going to Be Too Emotional’ Pursuing Spot with Flyers; Emil Andrae Injured