Coatesy Honored For 43 Years of Flyers’ Broadcast Excellence

Steve Coates has broadcast Philadelphia Flyers games on television and radio for 43 years. He is retiring after the season, and he received recognition — in front of a roaring, appreciative crowd — before Saturday’s game against Buffalo at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Flyers wore “Coatesy” and the number 43 on their sweaters in warm-ups. It was a nice touch, and a classy way to celebrate a fabulous career.

Tim Saunders, Coates’ radio partner, was the master of ceremonies. Coates has covered over 3,000 Flyers games.

“The love affair with this team and fan base was mutual,” said Saunders. “His energy and off-the-wall persona made it fun.”

Coates, 72, then walked to the podium and held back tears. He and Saunders hugged before Coates’ family was introduced.

Hail, Coatesy. Photo: #Flyers pic.twitter.com/NyCs3PF62v

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) April 2, 2023

Kevin Hayes, Scott Laughton, and Sean Couturier gave the ladies in the family flowers.

Coatesy and Saunders: An Iconic Broadcasting Duo

The Flyers gave Coates a custom golf cart.

“Coatesy’s Corner” will be the new name of the bar in the Edge member lounge.

The star of the night said a few words.

“I’m ecstatic to be here. I was hoping it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke,” he cracked. “It’s been an honor to be a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Flyers. I was here in 1973, the shortest guy in training camp. Just trying to play. Now I’m here more than 40 years later.

“In a game in the second period against the Islanders, I accidentally blocked a Bert Marshall shot.”

Coates turned toward Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella.

“… Torts, I couldn’t play for you. I don’t block shots,” he continued. “The puck is at the red line. I pull my groin. I went to the locker room. I said it was the dump and chase without the chase.”

Coatesy laughed and said that was his legacy.

He then rattled off a lot of names of people he wanted to thank.

“To my Flyers family and Ed Snider, what’s been built here is nothing short of remarkable.”

He said he was “blessed to start with Gene Hart in 1980!”

Coates then thanked the press and Flyers alumni, calling it the No. 1 alumni group in the National Hockey League.

He thanked the fans and said he frequently speaks with them in restaurants and on the street.

“You touched my heart,” he said, “and it was something that was unexpected and I was unprepared for.”

The crowd cheered wildly.