Commander

Team Name: New York Islanders

Founded: 1972 (as part of the NHL’s expansion into Long Island, New York)

City: Elmont, New York, USA (currently play at UBS Arena, but historically based in Uniondale, Long Island)

Biggest Achievement: The Islanders built a dynasty in the early 1980s, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983). They also hold the record for 19 straight playoff series victories during that era, one of the greatest accomplishments in NHL history.

Team Name: Philadelphia Flyers

Founded: 1967

City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Background:

• The Philadelphia Flyers were founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first major expansion, which doubled the league from six to twelve teams.
  
  
• They quickly developed a reputation for a tough, physical style of play, earning the nickname “Broad Street Bullies.”
  
  
• The Flyers play their home games at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
  
  
• Over the decades, they have maintained a passionate fan base and a competitive presence in the NHL.

Biggest Achievements:

• Stanley Cup Champions: 2 times (1974, 1975)
  
  
• The Flyers won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the mid-1970s, marking the first time an expansion team captured the Cup.
  
  
• They have reached the Stanley Cup Finals several other times but fell short of winning additional titles.
  
  
• Notable players include Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, Eric Lindros, and more recently Claude Giroux.

Type: Deciduous hardwood tree in the beech family (Fagaceae).

Needles: None – has simple, serrated, lance-shaped leaves.

Lifespan: Can live 200–400 years depending on species.

Habitat: Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere; prefers well-drained, fertile soils in forests and hillsides.

Uses: Nuts are edible and used in cooking and baking; wood is valued for furniture, flooring, and construction.

Adaptations: Produces spiny burrs to protect nuts from predators; deep root system resists wind and drought.

Ecological Role: Provides food for wildlife like squirrels, deer, and birds; trees contribute to forest canopy and soil enrichment.

Fun Fact: The American chestnut was once called the “Redwood of the East” because it dominated forests before chestnut blight nearly wiped it out.

Type: Evergreen shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Needles: Narrow, needle-like leaves that are gray-green and aromatic.
Lifespan: Typically 5–15 years, depending on species and growing conditions.
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean; prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils.
Uses: Aromatherapy, essential oils, culinary herbs, ornamental gardens, and dried flower arrangements.
Adaptations: Drought-tolerant, fragrant oils deter herbivores, and small leaves reduce water loss.
Ecological role: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; can improve biodiversity in gardens.
Fun fact: Lavender oil has been used for centuries not only for fragrance but also for its calming and antiseptic properties.

• Top shelf shot means a precise, powerful shot that scores in the upper part of the net just under the crossbar.
• Break or hold, commander is a cue for the team leader to decide whether to push forward on offense or stay back to defend.
• Defend your zone means players must protect their assigned area from opposing attackers and prevent scoring chances.

• Talon push means making a strong, aggressive drive toward the puck or net, showing power and determination.
• Your call, commander tells the team leader or captain to make the strategic decision on what play to run next.
• Blew the rush means a team or player failed to capitalize on a fast offensive attack, losing the opportunity to score.