It seems like the Philadelphia Flyers have always believed in a rough-and-tumble hockey philosophy, so it was no surprise they selected Behn Wilson with their 1st-round pick, 6th overall in the 1978 NHL entry draft. Wilson, known in junior for his fighting exploits as much as his defensive prowess, was a huge presence with the Ottawa 67's, Windsor Spitfires, and the Kingston Canadiens. But, it was his final junior year, 1977-78, that elevated Wilson to a top-10 draft candidate. In 52 games, Wilson managed 18 goals and 58 assists for 76 points.
In 1978-79, Wilson earned a spot on the Flyers, playing all 80 games and surpassing the team's expectations by contributing 49 points. He also knew it was his job to keep the peace, as echoed by his 197 penalty minutes in delving out his own form of justice.
The following year, the Philadelphia Flyers were the top team in the NHL with 116 points, losing just 12 games, and tying 20. The club set an NHL record by going 35 games without a defeat (25 wins and 10 ties). The streak lasted from October 16, 1979 until January 7, 1980 when the Minnesota North Stars shocked the Flyers with a 7-1 result.
The heavy favourites to win their first Cup in five years, the Flyers were beaten in the finals by the New York Islanders, who won the first of what would be four-consecutive Stanley Cups. Wilson played a vital role in Philadelphia's playoff success that year, playing in 19 games, scoring four goals and nine assists while also finding time to spend 66 minutes in the penalty box for a variety of indiscretions.
Wilson played four years with the Chicago Blackhawks before retiring after the 1987-88 season.
