Flyers Oddballs - 1990-91 Hires Root Beer Cans
Despite having a roster peppered with notable names, the 1990-91 Flyers were severely impacted by the loss of goalie Ron Hextall for much of the season - ultimately finishing 5th in the Patrick Division, and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year. But, from that season, and probably a result of the roster, came a memorable set of commemorative cans produced by Hires Root Beer.
The set of 24-cans were found in cases of 12 ounce Hires Root Beer, Diet Root Beer and Cream Soda soft drinks. Each one includes a drawn head-shot of a Flyers player within a white frame. In the frame are also the season notations (1990, 1991) at either side of the top portion of the frame, and the player's name, position and uniform number at the bottom in black text. Banners frame both the top and bottom of the center block - top reading, "Hires Flyers"; bottom, "Power Play" with a Flyers logo. Because they were included in multiple product brands, variations of cans exist. The set is unnumbered.
Though the cans are not overly valuable ($5 apiece), they are a fun collectible for both Flyers and individual player collectors. Keep your eyes open at flea markets and on eBay!
Checklist:
- Mark Howe
- Gord Murphy
- Kerry Huffman
- Jeff Chychrun
- Murray Baron
- Pelle Eklund
- Tim Kerr
- Ron Sutter
- Craig Berube
- Mike Ricci
- Scott Mellanby
- Tony Hornacek
- Rick Tocchet
- Pat Murray
- Derrick Smith
- Keith Acton
- Martin Hostak
- Ron Hextall
- Kjell Samuelson
- Terry Carkner
- Murray Craven
- Pete Peeters
- Ken Wregget
- Dale Kushner