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Flyers

Snider ("Just call me Ed") saluted by Hockey News

    by Sam Carchidi
    Published 

In its annual listing of the top 100 people of power and influence in hockey, the Hockey News named Ed Snider No. 9 on Tuesday.

Snider is chairman of Comcast-Spectacor, the Flyers' parent company.

Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, was named No. 1 for the 10th time in the last 13 years, while Penguins star Sidney Crosby was No. 2.

The Hockey News said Snider, who turned 82 on Jan. 6, "remains one of the league's most passionate, vocal owners."

In perhaps the biggest surprise, 18-year-old OHL center Connor McDavid, expected to be the top pick in the June draft, was listed by the Hockey News at No. 5.

The publication said Snider "has demanded the utmost out of his players and management team since he founded the franchise in 1967, and that hasn't changed in his twilight years. He wants to win - and make money."

In another matter, Snider recently revealed he wants everyone, especially those who work for the sports and entertainment company he founded, to start calling him "Ed."

He said he has always wanted to be called by his first name.

"I don't know why everyone continues to call me 'Mr. Snider,' but my name is Ed and that's what I want everyone to call me," Snider said. "Bob Clarke started calling me 'Mr. Snider' back when he was a player and he continues to do it today, despite the fact that I have repeatedly told him not to. I never wanted to be called 'Mr. Snider.' "

Most employees refer him as "Mr. Snider" as a sign of respect for the man who co-founded the Flyers.

On Friday, Snider will present the Ed Snider Humanitarian Award at the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association's dinner to Lewis Katz, posthumously. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill. Katz was one of Snider's closest friends.

Many athletes and sports personalities will be honored, including Charlie Manuel, Kimmo Timonen, Chris Wheeler, the late Bill Campbell, Chris Ford, Todd Frazier, and Mo'ne Davis and the Taney Little League team. For ticket info, go to PSWAdinner.com.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.