Clarke, Flyers’ GM Since 1984, Is Fired

Bobby Clarke was fired as vice president and general manager by the Philadelphia Flyers after the team’s poorest season in 18 years.

Flyer president Jay Snider made the announcement at a hastily called news conference. “After much discussion over months, we had fundamental differences,” Snider said. “We had the same goal--to win the Stanley Cup. We disagreed on how to do it.”

Clarke, who played for the Flyers for 15 years and was their all-time leading scorer, was vice president and general manager since May 1984.

During his six years as general manager, the Flyers won three Patrick Division titles and two Wales Conference championships, but this season finished under .500 for the first time since 1971-72.