In this cover story from THN's Jan. 25, 1974 edition, brothers Joe and Jim Watson were thriving as key components of Philadelphia's defense corps and eventual Flyers Hall of Famers.
The Philadelphia Flyers have been a positive surprise this season. And in this cover story from THN’s Jan. 25, 1974 edition (Vol. 27, Issue 17) writer Bill Fleischman put the spotlight on two Flyers defensemen – Joe and Jim Watson – who were brothers in more ways than one.
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At the time the story was published, Joe Watson was a seven-year NHL veteran and crucial component of Philadelphia’s defense corps. At age 30, Joe was nine years older than Jim Watson, but both grew up in Smithers, B.C.. Joe Watson spent 11 seasons with the Flyers, tacking on one more year with the Colorado Rockies before hanging up his skates after the 1978-79 season. Jim Watson went on to play 10 seasons in Philly before retiring in 1982.
Both Watsons wound up being inducted into the Flyers' Hall of Fame, and they combined to play 1,449 regular-season NHL games. Both were thrilled to wear the Black and Orange and represent Philadelphia. More than 50 years after this piece was published, their names still resonate with Flyers fans.
“Of course I was really happy to come to Philly,” Jim Watson told Fleischman. “I had talked to (Flyers scout) Harvey (Roy) and he said they’d draft me if they had the opportunity…I thought I was as good or better than those (defenseman) who went ahead of me.”
The Watson Bros. rewarded the Flyers for employing them for so many years with terrific performances, but right from the start, their skills as defenders gave Philly management more than enough reason to make them Flyers.
“I had a feeling about him.” Flyers coach Fred Shero said of Jim Watson. “So one game I asked (Flyers assistant coach) Mike (Nykoluk) to keep an eye on him. Before the third period, Mike said “don’t be afraid to use him. “
Despite their age difference, Jim and Joe Watson were as close as could be. They remained residents of Smithers, and given the beauty of B.C., it’s hard to blame them for always heading home and being two peas in that particular geographical pod.
“We’ve always been close.” Jim Watson said, “even though Joe’s been away every winter since he turned pro and I’ve been away since junior. We used to call a lot and always go back to Smithers in the summer. It’s nice to go back there, get away from the big cities and relax.”
THE WATSONS KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY – THEY BOTH PLAY DEFENSE
Vol. 27, No. 17, Jan. 25, 1974
By Bill Fleischman
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Flyers have a monopoly on the Smithers, B.C., contribution to the National Hockey League. And they’re glad of it.
Smithers Chamber of Commerce East consists of just two — Joe and Jimmy Watson. As an original Flyer, Joe has been an integral part of Philadelphia’s defense for seven years. Jimmy is just a rookie, but plays like a veteran.
The Brothers Watson (no relation to Pittsburgh’s Bryan) are the Flyers second family affair. Ironically, the first brother act, Larry and Wayne Hillman, was also stationed on defense.
Despite the age difference — Joe is 30, Jimmy 21 — the brothers are close.
“We’ve always been close.” said Jimmy, “even though Joe’s been away every winter since he turned pro and I’ve been away since junior. We used to call a lot and always go back to Smithers in the summer. It’s nice to go back there, get away from the big cities and relax.”
Presumably, Smithers is not identified in many school geography classes so… it’s a town of about 4,000 situated over 700 miles north of Vancouver. Alaska is not far away.
“Great town, great town.” Joe will tell anyone who asks. “Great fishing.”
Asked how his family settled in such a remote place. Jimmy smiled and said. “Good question. Next time I’m home I’ll have to ask, but it was probably because they recognized it as a good spot right away.”
Philadelphia scouts recognized Jimmy as a “good one” right away. Playing for the Calgary Centennials, Jimmy was voted the Western Canada League’s outstanding defenseman in 1972. When it was time for Philadelphia third choice in that year’s amateur draft, Jimmy surprisingly was still available.
“Of course I was really happy to come to Philly,” Jimmy said. “I had talked to Harvey (Roy, a Flyer scout) and he said they’d take me if they had the opportunity. But I figured it’s a one in 16 chance.”
Jimmy, a sturdy 6-foot, 190 pounds, also figured he should have gone before the third round (the Flyers had taken Bill Barber and Tom Bladon on the previous rounds).
“I thought I was as good or better than those (defenseman) who went ahead of me,” he said.
The Western Canada defensemen who were selected before Jimmy included Chicago’s Phil Russell, Atlanta’s Dwight Bialowas, New York Rangers’ Larry Sacharuk, Bladon, and Jim McMasters (with Cleveland, WHA).
While Bladon stepped right into the Flyers cast as a rookie, scoring 11 goals as an offensive specialist, Jimmy spent his first pro season with Richmond (AHL). Besides brother Joe, at least one observer thought Jimmy belonged in Philadelphia last season.
“I thought Jimmy was the best defenseman in the Flyers’ training camp last season.” the critic said. “After I saw him at Richmond. I felt he was the best defenseman in their organization.”
Jimmy saw only spot duty for awhile, but about one month into the season he was paired with veteran Ed Van Impe and has been a regular since.
“I had a feeling about him.” said coach Fred Shero. “so one game I asked Mike (Nykoluk, Flyer assistant coach) to keep an eye on him. Before the third period, Mike said “don’t be afraid to use him.”
Like Joe, Jimmy started skating on ponds near the Watson farm. The Watsons can have their own hockey team, with brothers Fred 27, Stephen 24, Glenn 11, and Jerry 7 also available.
“Playing hockey is all I’ve ever wanted to do.” Jimmy said.
It’s clear he’ll be playing a long time. Jimmy is a new breed defenseman — an excellent skater and accurate shooter. He’s also a poised lad. For instance, with the Flyers trailing in Minnesota, 3-2, and less than two minutes remaining, Jimmy set up Bobby Clarke’s tying goal with a sprint into Minnesota’s zone.
“In a situation like that. You’ve got to take a chance.” Jimmy said. Brother Joe isn’t the offensive threat Jimmy is, although last season he had his NHL high of 24 assists. The Flyers count on Joe more for his reliability. Joe is also the team cheerleader. During Shero’s first season, he often said Joe was about the only player chattering on the bench.
Joe, a 5-10, 185-pounder, broke in at Boston with another young blueliner named Bobby Orr. They quickly became friends and Orr was best man at Joe’s wedding.
The next season the Flyers claimed Joe in the expansion draft. He has seen the Flyers progress from a plodding, conservative club into the NHL’s most colorful entry.
“Believe me. it’s a lot better playing for a team that scores goals the way we do,” Joe said. “It’s easier on everybody.”
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