In an emotional ceremony, the Philadelphia Flyers honored the memory of their iconic goaltender, Bernie Parent, who recently passed away at the age of 80. The event, which spanned two days, included a service on Friday and a special tribute during Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
As a symbol of recognition, the Flyers displayed the white mask that Parent immortalized in the 1970s, which featured the team logo on both sides. This mask, similar to the one that appeared on the cover of Time magazine, recalled the golden age of the Flyers and their impact on the world of hockey.
“Forever our number 1,” expressed Lou Nolan, the Flyers’ announcer since 1972.
Lou Nolan, Flyers announcer
The tribute focused on the legacy of Parent, a goaltender who was fundamental to the Flyers winning the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, becoming the first expansion team to achieve this feat. Parent won the Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies in consecutive seasons, solidifying his position as a legend.The image shows Bernie Parent, the legendary Flyers goalie, whose legacy was celebrated by the team.
During Saturday’s game, fans showed their affection by wearing jerseys with Parent’s number 1 and celebrating the highlights of his career. The loudest cheers were for the Stanley Cup moments.
The team defeated the Boston Bruins in 1974 and the Buffalo Sabres in 1975, with Parent keeping a clean sheet in the decisive matches. His impact on the team and the city of Philadelphia was immense.
In addition to his success on the ice, Parent was an ambassador for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education program, created in 2005 for young people with limited resources in Philadelphia. In his honor, the creation of the Bernie Parent Goaltender Development Program was announced, with the aim of preparing young people for success on and off the ice. Flyers Charities donated $50,000, an amount that was matched by Snider’s children.
In an era when the team was known for its aggressive style of play, Parent, along with captain Bobby Clarke and Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, became stars for the Flyers under Snider’s direction. The team embraced its “Bullies” nickname and won the hearts of the fans.
The ceremony was attended by most of the living members of the Stanley Cup teams. Bobby Clarke, visibly moved, remembered other Flyers from the championship teams who have passed away. Barry Ashbee, Ed Van Impe, Bill Flett, Ross Lonsberry, and Rick MacLeish.
“And now, may God bless Bernie, because he will join them. And the rest of us, until we go to join them, we will speak together forever,” Clarke said.
