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Thundermouth: Memoirs of a Broad Street Bully and NHL Lifer
Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, and Dave Schultz may have been the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Flyers’ iconic Broad Street Bullies teams on the way to two Stanley Cup victories― but Joe “Thundermouth” Watson was the voice and conscience.
From using frozen horse turds as pucks in his native Smithers, British Columbia, through his fourteen-year NHL playing career―including two All-Star selections―to suiting up regularly for the Flyers Alumni Team deep into his seventies, Watson may be the ultimate hockey lifer. With an unmistakable voice that boomed as loud as the hits he laid on opposing forwards, Watson was a fixture of 1970s hockey just as the league was becoming the NHL that we know today―growing from six teams when he joined in 1964 to twenty-one by the time he retired in 1979.
Along the way, he roomed with Bobby Orr, became part of one of the first sibling tandems in NHL history, and scored the dramatic shorthanded goal against the powerhouse 1976 Red Army team that―as legendary coach Fred Shero joked―“set Russian hockey back twenty years.” In retirement, he couldn’t leave the game alone― cementing his status as a Philly legend by serving as a top advertising executive in the Flyers front office for more than four decades, creating and running a thriving alumni program, and eventually being inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
As much a love letter to the sport of ice hockey as it is a memoir of life on and off the ice, Thundermouth is an old-fashioned sporting autobiography and a riveting snapshot of a time―as Bernie Parent might say―when hockey was hockey.
From using frozen horse turds as pucks in his native Smithers, British Columbia, through his fourteen-year NHL playing career―including two All-Star selections―to suiting up regularly for the Flyers Alumni Team deep into his seventies, Watson may be the ultimate hockey lifer. With an unmistakable voice that boomed as loud as the hits he laid on opposing forwards, Watson was a fixture of 1970s hockey just as the league was becoming the NHL that we know today―growing from six teams when he joined in 1964 to twenty-one by the time he retired in 1979.
Along the way, he roomed with Bobby Orr, became part of one of the first sibling tandems in NHL history, and scored the dramatic shorthanded goal against the powerhouse 1976 Red Army team that―as legendary coach Fred Shero joked―“set Russian hockey back twenty years.” In retirement, he couldn’t leave the game alone― cementing his status as a Philly legend by serving as a top advertising executive in the Flyers front office for more than four decades, creating and running a thriving alumni program, and eventually being inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
As much a love letter to the sport of ice hockey as it is a memoir of life on and off the ice, Thundermouth is an old-fashioned sporting autobiography and a riveting snapshot of a time―as Bernie Parent might say―when hockey was hockey.
296 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 8, 2025
"Win today and we walk together forever..." - Fred Shero
My 1st Goodreads review!
Hockey in Philadelphia is a long and storied tradition, an experience second to none. The excitement of being in the building (whether it was the iconic Spectrum or the present Wells Fargo Center) is simply infectious. Opposing teams to this day writhe at the sight of a trip to Philadelphia on their calendars with the hostile yet passionate environment the fans (and the Flyers themselves) create. The foundation of that excitement and steep tradition of Flyers hockey is thanks, in no small part, to Joe Watson and his teammates from the legendary Broad Street Bullies teams of the 1970s. That is captured beautifully in this book by Joe aka "Thundermouth".
Joe's storytelling of his life and in particular of his time with the Flyers is incredible. To come from the small town of Smithers, British Columbia, and work his way up the NHL (1st with the Boston Bruins in the mid-60s) was so impressive and certainly far from an easy trajectory. Joe eventually landed in Philadelphia due to the NHL expansion draft in 1967 and it is so funny to hear his welcome to Philadelphia with the less than enthused "parade" they had for the new hockey team in Philadelphia. However, in 7 short years, the Flyers would usher in the first of two back-to-back Stanley Cups and capture the hearts of a city, getting 2 million people at their 1st championship parade. They established an identity in those years, going from the bullied to the bullies and assured the league they were not to be messed with anymore. What is lost on non-Flyers fans and what Joe points out exquisitely in this book is that even though their team centered around physical play, they also had tremendous skill and could beat you with ease on the scoreboard and as mentioned physically too.
I loved hearing Joe's stories about his teammates. If you're like myself and have been a lifelong Flyers fan, you've grown up hearing stories about guys like Rick Macleish, Bob "The Hound" Kelly, Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Andre "Moose" Dupont, amongst many others. It's just so cool to hear his experiences with those players, the antics they'd get into on the road and even after games in Philadelphia. Not only that but he illustrates the immense work ethic that the team had especially with guys like Bobby Clarke and Goaltender Bernie Parent. After all, "Only the Lord Saves More than Bernie!". This collection of characters built a formidable bond that other teams simply couldn't match or break. That after all is how winning is done!
Joe's story prior to his career, during, and even after his career working in the Flyers front office is a story of unrelenting determination, discipline, and resilience. I loved his appreciation for all the people who helped him along the way through his career from his family, friends, teammates, coaches such as Fred Shero, and even people in the Flyers front office, in particular legendary Flyers founder Ed Snider. Of course, the fans too!
Regardless if you are a Flyers fan or not, I highly recommend checking this one out. Not only will you be delighted with a flurry of hilarious stories along with a glimpse into so many pivotal moments in Flyers history, but you will also get a sincere story of inspiration and how anything is possible if you put in the time and effort as Joe did!
Let's Go Flyers!!
My 1st Goodreads review!
Hockey in Philadelphia is a long and storied tradition, an experience second to none. The excitement of being in the building (whether it was the iconic Spectrum or the present Wells Fargo Center) is simply infectious. Opposing teams to this day writhe at the sight of a trip to Philadelphia on their calendars with the hostile yet passionate environment the fans (and the Flyers themselves) create. The foundation of that excitement and steep tradition of Flyers hockey is thanks, in no small part, to Joe Watson and his teammates from the legendary Broad Street Bullies teams of the 1970s. That is captured beautifully in this book by Joe aka "Thundermouth".
Joe's storytelling of his life and in particular of his time with the Flyers is incredible. To come from the small town of Smithers, British Columbia, and work his way up the NHL (1st with the Boston Bruins in the mid-60s) was so impressive and certainly far from an easy trajectory. Joe eventually landed in Philadelphia due to the NHL expansion draft in 1967 and it is so funny to hear his welcome to Philadelphia with the less than enthused "parade" they had for the new hockey team in Philadelphia. However, in 7 short years, the Flyers would usher in the first of two back-to-back Stanley Cups and capture the hearts of a city, getting 2 million people at their 1st championship parade. They established an identity in those years, going from the bullied to the bullies and assured the league they were not to be messed with anymore. What is lost on non-Flyers fans and what Joe points out exquisitely in this book is that even though their team centered around physical play, they also had tremendous skill and could beat you with ease on the scoreboard and as mentioned physically too.
I loved hearing Joe's stories about his teammates. If you're like myself and have been a lifelong Flyers fan, you've grown up hearing stories about guys like Rick Macleish, Bob "The Hound" Kelly, Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Andre "Moose" Dupont, amongst many others. It's just so cool to hear his experiences with those players, the antics they'd get into on the road and even after games in Philadelphia. Not only that but he illustrates the immense work ethic that the team had especially with guys like Bobby Clarke and Goaltender Bernie Parent. After all, "Only the Lord Saves More than Bernie!". This collection of characters built a formidable bond that other teams simply couldn't match or break. That after all is how winning is done!
Joe's story prior to his career, during, and even after his career working in the Flyers front office is a story of unrelenting determination, discipline, and resilience. I loved his appreciation for all the people who helped him along the way through his career from his family, friends, teammates, coaches such as Fred Shero, and even people in the Flyers front office, in particular legendary Flyers founder Ed Snider. Of course, the fans too!
Regardless if you are a Flyers fan or not, I highly recommend checking this one out. Not only will you be delighted with a flurry of hilarious stories along with a glimpse into so many pivotal moments in Flyers history, but you will also get a sincere story of inspiration and how anything is possible if you put in the time and effort as Joe did!
Let's Go Flyers!!
December 24, 2024
I generally have low expectations regarding autobiographies of current and retired athletes. But I do make every effort to revisit those magical years (1973-74 & 1974-75) in Philadelphia sports history. The Philadelphia Flyers stunned the hockey world, and won back to back Stanley Cups. In the 3rd year, the Broad Street Bullies fell short in their title bid, but did beat the Russian Army in a historic game at the Spectrum 4-1.
Love Joe Watson's passion and story telling. It was a different time, when professional athletes were a bit more humble and accessible. He also has a skill of being critical without taking cheap shots. It's a delicate balance that he masters expertly.
My son once asked me what Professional athlete would you like to grab a beer with? Joe Watson tops my list.
I gave this book 5 stars, because I had a smile on my face the entire book, and was sorry to see it end. Long live J0e Watson.
Love Joe Watson's passion and story telling. It was a different time, when professional athletes were a bit more humble and accessible. He also has a skill of being critical without taking cheap shots. It's a delicate balance that he masters expertly.
My son once asked me what Professional athlete would you like to grab a beer with? Joe Watson tops my list.
I gave this book 5 stars, because I had a smile on my face the entire book, and was sorry to see it end. Long live J0e Watson.
October 7, 2024
This is a fun read by a player who had a front row seat to the glory years of my beloved Philadelphia Flyers. Joe Watson is a good storyteller and does a nice job of making you a feel a part of the action in his book. I was fortunate to meet him a couple of times as a team ambassador at the Flyers games I’ve attended. I hope to see Joe one more time so he can sign my copy of his book!
October 14, 2025
Another great sport autobiography. Joe Watson gives such vivid insight about his time as a professional hockey from the minors all the way up to those Championship seasons for the Philadelphia “Broad Street Bullies” Flyers. In reading this I felt like Joe was telling me about his career and life at Rexy’s over a couple of beers. Great autobiography, great hockey player, great man. 5.0 bookworms
January 1, 2025
This is a really good book! I enjoyed reading about Joe’s life and his hockey career. Go Flyers!
February 9, 2025
Fun read about a great era in hockey.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews