Hailing from Smithers, Ron Flockhart is a former professional ice hockey player whose skill and scoring prowess made him a notable figure in the NHL. Flockhart's journey from the small town of Smithers to a successful career in the NHL is marked by his offensive abilities and contributions to the teams he played for. After an impressive season with the Regina Pats during the 1979–80 Western Hockey League season, he was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers. Ron spent three years in Philadelphia, achieving career numbers in 1981-82 scoring 33 goals and adding 39 assists, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic offensive player. After a slow start at the beginning of the '83–84 season, Flockhart was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the trade that brought Rich Sutter to Philadelphia, where he played two seasons. He finished his NHL career playing one season in Montreal and three in St. Louis.
Flockhart holds Philadelphia Flyers record for fastest two goals (8 seconds) during a game against the St. Louis Blues on December 6, 1981 and according to Gene Hart, former play-by-play television and radio commentator for the Philadelphia Flyers, Flockhart won the "Grizzly Award" each year he played for the Flyers. As recollected in his autobiography "Score: My 25 Years With the Broad Street Bullies", Hart created this "award" for the NHL player born in Smithers, BC who had the highest point total at the end of each NHL season. Hart originally coined the award as a joke between Joe Watson and his younger brother Jimmy Watson, both low scoring Flyers defencemen who were born and raised in Smithers (and at the time were the only two players from this small British Columbia town). With the emergence of Flockhart, he became a lock for the award during his NHL playing days.
After retiring from professional hockey in 1988, Ron Flockhart continued his involvement in the sport through coaching and player development roles. His post-playing career included sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring hockey players, contributing to the growth and development of the next generation.
