20 Former Flyers and Rangers Who Need to Play in the Winter Classic Alumni Game

With the 2012 NHL Winter Classic less than three weeks away, Citizens Bank Park is turning into a hockey rink.

The annual outdoor game is set to take place on January 2nd, with an alumni game taking place on December 31.

The game, featuring retired players who have spent time with either the New York Rangers or Philadelphia Flyers, will be televised on Versus this year according to SB Nation.

With the official rosters announced, fans can be excited to see that several franchise icons will be suiting up. Unfortunately, certain names are missing from the list.

Rod Brind'Amour (PHI)

One of the most beloved players in Flyers history, fan favorite Rod Brind'Amour was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in an ill-received move.

In addition to be a fan-favorite, Brind'Amour was one of the greatest scorers in Flyers history.

Steve Vickers (NYR)

Steve Vickers played his entire career with the New York Rangers, from 1972 to 1982. He was one of the team's leading scorers, currently ranking in the franchise's top ten in career goals and points.

In his short career he playing in four different playoff series against the Flyers.

Mikael Renberg (PHI)

The Legion of Doom will be represented in the game by Eric Lindros and John LeClair. The third member of the dominant line, Mikael Renberg, will not be playing.

Chris Drury (NYR)

The recent Rangers captain may not have accomplished much as the team's leader, but he would be one of the better-conditioned players in the game.

Mark Recchi (who will be playing for the Flyers) and him would be the most recently retired alumni in the game.

Theo Fleury (NYR)

The 5' 6" Theo Fleury was one of the NHL's most impressive scorers during his career, with 1088 points in 1084 games played.

He spent three seasons with the Rangers. Though he is not particularly a historic member of the Rangers, his status as a great NHL player would make him a worthy addition to the game.

Wayne Gretzky (NYR)

Like Fleury, The Great One does not hold any significant place in New York Rangers history. However, he spent his final years on Broadway and is a player anyone would love to watch.

Wayne Gretzky declinded participation, citing family reasons.

Tim Kerr (PHI)

Tim Kerr is third on the Flyers' career goals list, and leads all Flyers with four seasons of more than 50 goals.

Kerr was the team's leading scorer during the great teams of the late 1980s. He once helped the Flyers eliminate the Rangers by scoring four goals in a single period.

Ron Sutter (PHI)

Former captain Ron Sutter played eight seasons with the Flyers during the 1980's. He was a member of the 1985 and 1987 teams that lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Sutter currently works as a scout for the Calgary Flames.

Ron Hextall (PHI)

The Flyers (somewhat appropriately) announced a pathetic goaltending tandem for the alumni roster: Mark LaForest and Neil Little have played a combined 40 games for the Flyers.

Thankfully, Bernie Parent announced he would join the game, allowing fans to see a real goalie in net.

Unfortunately, the younger and equally as popular Ron Hextall will be unable to play. Currently an Assistant General Manager for the Los Angeles Kings, Hextall is unable to play due to back issues.

Mike Richter (NYR)

Just as Hextall will be unavailable for the Flyers, Mike Richter will not be playing for the Rangers.

Richter, who retired with concussion issues, is the team's all-time leader in career wins.

Steve Larmer (NYR)

Players from the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion Rangers team will be playing, such as Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves and Stephane Matteau.

Aside from Ricther, there are a few key players missing from the list.

Steve Larmer scored 16 points in 23 games during that playoff run.

Kevin Lowe (NYR)

Kevin Lowe was a defenseman on the 1994 Rangers team. He played four seasons with New York, but spent most of his career with the Edmonton Oilers.

He currently works with that franchise as team president, and will be staying in Alberta during the alumni game.

Rick MacLeish (PHI)

The Flyers's greatest scoring line of all time will be returning for the alumni game. The Reggie Leach, Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber trio from the cup-winning team are all on the roster.

One great scorer from that era is absent; Rick MacLeish.

MacLeish scored 50 goals in the 1972-73 season, and notched the cup-winner in 1974.

Andre Dupont (PHI)

Andre Dupont is another prominent member of the Flyers' Broad Street Bullies that is missing from the alumni roster.

"Moose" is one of the greatest Flyers defensemen ever, totaling a plus-269 rating during his seven and a half seasons in Philadelphia.

Who doesn't want to see that dance again?

Jimmy Watson (PHI)

Jim and Joe Watson were brothers who played together during the 1970's. Joe will be in the game, but Jimmy will not.

Jimmy spent his entire 10 year career with the Flyers.

If the team were to skate the LCB line with the Watson brothers on defense and Parent in net, it would be a full revival of the Philadelphia Flyers' 1974 Stanley Cup Champions.

Dave Schultz (PHI)

Would a revival of the Broad Street Bullies be complete without "The Hammer" Dave Schultz?

Schultz was one the league's best fighters during his time with the Flyers, and still ranks among the greatest Flyers enforcers of all-time.

Schultz is listed as an "ambassador" for the game with Hextall and Gary Dornhoefer, but will not play.

Jeff Beukeboom (NYR)

Just as Schultz is missing for the Flyers, Jeff Beukeboom of the New York Rangers is gone as well. Beukeboom is second on the list of Rangers' career penalty minute leaders.

Donald Brashear (PHI)

Even without Schultz and Beukeboom, these two alumni teams have plenty of toughness in the lineup.

The Rangers bring Nick Fotiu, Nick Kypreos, Darren Langdon and Dale Purinton. The Flyers have Terry Carkner, Derian Hatcher, Rick Tocchet and Eric Lindros.

Considering the players involved and that it is a Flyers-Rangers game, there may actually be a fight in the alumni game.

If the Rangers are bringing enforcer Dale Purinton, the Flyers should bring back his old foe Donald Brashear.

Bill Clement (PHI) & Ed Olczyk (NYR)

NHL television commentators Bill Clement and Ed Olczyk have each played for the Flyers and Rangers.

Clement won two Stanley Cups with the Flyers in four seasons. Olczyk only played 103 games with the Rangers, but was a member of the 1994 team.

Hockey fans would be entertained to see the two personalities on skates again.

Nikolay Zherdev (NYR)

Just so Philadelphia can boo him.

B/R Featured Columnist Jason Sapunka is available on Twitter

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