PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bernie Parent, a legendary goaltender and Hall of Famer, has passed away at the age of 80. Recognized as one of the greatest goalies in hockey history, Parent was pivotal in leading the Philadelphia Flyers to their only two Stanley Cup championships during the team's illustrious era known as the Broad Street Bullies. His death was announced by the Flyers on Sunday, but no immediate details were provided. Joe Watson, a former defenseman on the Flyers' championship teams, revealed that Parent died in his sleep after struggling with severe back pain.
Parent’s storied career began when he debuted in the NHL with the Boston Bruins in 1965. He was later left unprotected in the 1967 expansion draft, allowing the Philadelphia Flyers to select him. After spending 3½ seasons with the Flyers, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs but eventually returned to the Flyers before the start of the 1973-74 season. That season, Parent achieved remarkable success, leading the league with 47 wins, and he followed it up with another standout performance in the 1974-75 season with 44 wins.
Throughout his career, Parent won numerous accolades, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975. He was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs and the Vezina Trophy, which honors the best goaltender in the NHL. Parent's timeless image, characterized by his steel-eyed stare visible through his old-school mask, famously graced the cover of Time magazine in 1975, exemplifying his status as a sports icon during the Flyers’ heyday.
The Flyers' statement following Parent's death emphasized his profound impact not only on the team but also on the community. “The legend of Bernie Parent reached far beyond the ice and his accolades,” the statement read. Parent had a strong connection with Philadelphia and its fans and devoted himself to youth hockey initiatives through Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education, inspiring countless young hockey enthusiasts.
In 1979, Parent's career faced an abrupt end when he suffered a severe eye injury after being struck by a stick, temporarily blinding him. After amassing a total of 271 career wins, 231 of which were with the Flyers, he retired. His contributions to the Flyers were immortalized when his jersey number 1 was retired, and he became the first Flyers player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984. He holds the franchise record for shutouts with 50 to this day.
Parent’s legacy extends beyond mere statistics; he became a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports culture. Watson fondly recalled how Parent always made time for fans, showing off his championship rings and sharing laughs. Even during his later years, Parent remained engaged with the Flyers, serving as an ambassador for the team and hockey in the community. His warmth and humor resonated with fans, evidenced by the excitement he generated at various events.
One of his final moments on the ice came in 2011 during an alumni game at Citizens Bank Park, where he showcased his enduring hockey spirit. As he stopped all six shots faced during the brief stint in goal, chants of “Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!” reverberated through the stadium, showcasing the lasting affection fans held for him.
Throughout his life and career, Parent left an indelible mark on the sport and in the hearts of Flyers fans. His passing signifies the loss of not just a sports legend but also a cherished ambassador of the game who embodied the spirit of hockey in Philadelphia.
