Flyers honor fallen Doylestown soldier after every win

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- After every win, a Flyers' player wears an army hat in the locker room.

It's not a fashion statement, it's to honor First Lieutenant Colby Umbrell, a Doylestown native, who died fighting in Iraq nearly eight years ago. He was just 26.

"What he did to sacrifice his life for a greater cause is living on in the hat. Something as simple as the hat has a much larger meaning," said Steve Mason.

After every win, the Flyers award Umbrell's hat to a player who demonstrates the most courage and who lays it on the line, just like Umbrell did, in the line of duty.

This was actually Flyers coach Craig Berube's idea.

He came up with it while he was at the Memorial Day parade in Doylestown and was later introduced to the Umbrells through an acquaintance.

"I think it really got to our players. They were very moved from it all. They take great pride in this," said Coach Berube.

Umbrell's parents Mark and Nancy have even stopped by practice to speak to the team and thank them for keeping their son's memory alive.

"We appreciate it. It gives us something to look forward to after a big win," said Mason.

"Anyone who loses a child, they have to go through the rest of their lives and learn to deal with it. And one of the great things about this is that Colby is constantly being honored," said Mark Umbrell.