It was the beginning of a new era in the NHL. On October 11, 1967, the expansion Philadelphia Flyers traveled west to face the Oakland Seals in the first NHL game for both teams.
The Seals gave the home fans plenty to cheer about with a 5-1 victory. Goaltender Charlie Hodge was sharp, stopping 24 of 25 shots, while forward Bill Hicke led the way offensively with two goals and an assist. Kent Douglas and Gerry Ehman also had three-point nights in what turned out to be a confident debut for the Bay Area franchise.
Douglas made history early, scoring the first goal in Oakland Seals history just 3:23 into the game. The goal came against Bernie Parent and was assisted by Charlie Burns and George Swarbrick.
The Flyers also notched a first of their own. Bill Sutherland scored the franchise’s inaugural goal at 10:07 of the second period, converting on a powerplay with assists from Leon Rochefort and John Miszuk. It stood as Philadelphia’s first powerplay marker in NHL history.
Ron Harris scored the Seals’ first game-winning goal less than two minutes after Sutherland’s tally, and Bill Hicke added Oakland’s first powerplay goal early in the third.
There were also early signs of animosity. Just 22 seconds after the opening faceoff, each team took its first penalty. Lou Angotti of the Flyers was called for interference, while Larry Cahan of the Seals went off for slashing.
Philadelphia’s tough California debut continued a few days later, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Los Angeles Kings on October 14. That game featured Brian Kilrea scoring the first goal in Kings history and Gord Labossiere notching the winner. Wayne Rutledge made 14 saves in net for the Kings, who limited the Flyers to just 16 shots.
