Former Inquirer writer and current Flyers TV analyst Al Morganti, Bill Clement going into Hockey Hall of Fame
Morganti, 69, was selected as the 2022 recipient of the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award, which recognizes members of the writing profession whose words have brought honor to both journalism and hockey.
NBC Sports Philadelphia Flyers analyst Al Morganti will be enshrined into the Hockey Hall of Fame as the 2022 Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award winner. Morganti received the news from Professional Hockey Writers Association president and Daily Faceoff founder Frank Seravalli on Tuesday during Morganti’s normal time slot cohosting WIP-FM’s weekday morning show with Angelo Cataldi and Rhea Hughes.
The Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award goes annually to a print newspaper columnist or reporter in recognition of their achievements covering the game of ice hockey. The winner, who is chosen by the PHWA, receives a plaque that is displayed in the media section of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. He will formally be recognized as a “media honouree” in a ceremony in November.
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Morganti has been with NBC Sports Philadelphia (formerly Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) as a Flyers analyst since 2002 and previously covered the Flyers for The Inquirer as a beat writer from 1979-89. The 69-year-old also served as a regular national NHL analyst with ESPN from 1993-2005, working alongside the likes of John Saunders, Bill Clement, and Barry Melrose.
Clement will also go into the Hall of Fame as the 2022 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winner, which recognizes “distinguished members of the radio and television industry who made outstanding contributions to their profession and the game during their career in hockey broadcasting.” The former Flyer (1971-75), who scored in the clinching game of the 1975 Stanley Cup Final, worked for more than 30 years in broadcasting for the likes of ESPN, NBC, ABC, TNT, CTV, CBC, and Rogers Sportsnet.
“On behalf of the Flyers organization, I congratulate Al Morganti and Bill Clement on this tremendous, well-deserved honor,” said Dave Scott, chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor and governor of the Flyers. “Al and Bill are legends on and off the ice here in Philly and all around the hockey world. They’ve made amazing contributions to the game, and we are so proud to call them members of the Flyers Family.”
Morganti is the 63rd winner of the award since its inception in 1984. Notable previous recipients include Saul “Red” Fisher (1985), Bob McKenzie (2015), and Jay Greenberg of the Daily News (2013). Because of COVID-19, the award was last given in 2020.
A Boston native, Morganti got his start writing about high school and college hockey for the Boston Globe and covered the Atlanta Flames in 1979 for the Atlanta Constitution.
The Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee will announce the inductees from the player, builder, and referee/linesman categories on June 27. Jeremy Roenick, Rod Brind’Amour, and Vincent Lecavalier, as well as coaches Ken Hitchcock and Mike Keenan, are among the notables with Flyers connections who are eligible for induction.