Lots of people have good luck charms. Some have socks, others coins; charms come in every shape and size. For the Philadelphia Flyers, their good luck charm comes from the voice of Kathryn Elizabeth Smith. Born in Greenville, Virginia on May 1, 1909, Smith was a Broadway performer and recording artist most affectionately remembered for her performance of “God Bless America,” which she first performed on Armistice Day in 1938. That performance would stay with her for the rest of her life.

It started for the Flyers on Dec. 11, 1969, when team VP Lou Schienfield played Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” instead of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Fans were hesitant to accept the change; nevertheless, the Flyers beat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Schienfield went with the traditional song in the following home game, which the Flyers lost. Smith’s song was played again before the next game, a Flyer victory, and the legend began. Schienfield would choose when to play Smith’s song by instinct, and over the first three seasons, including playoffs, the Flyers’ home record was 19-1-1 when she was heard, and 31-38-28 when she wasn’t.

In the Flyers home opener in 1973, Smith was invited to perform the song live for the Philadelphia faithful before their contest against the Maple Leafs. Riding the adrenaline of the pre-game performance, the Flyers skated off to a 2-0 victory. Smith would be invited back to sing for one game in each of the following three playoffs. Only the Montreal Canadiens managed a victory against the Flyers with Smith’s charm hanging over The Spectrum. The Canadiens beat the Flyers 5-3 to clinch a Stanley Cup victory by sweeping the series. It would also be Smith’s last live performance of the song for the Flyer fans.

Smith’s health began to decline shortly after. She battled diabetes for 10 years before finally succumbing to the disease on June 17, 1986. She was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom in 1982. On Oct. 8, 1987, a statue of Smith was dedicated outside The Spectrum prior to a game against the Canadiens in her honor. Her version of “God Bless America” is played much less frequently these days, but her voice is still recognized to this day and any true-blood Flyers fan will warmly remember her impact on Philadelphia ever since.