In a moving tribute, the Philadelphia Flyers paid homage to hockey legend Bernie Parent, an event that touched the fans and recalled the team’s glorious years. The celebration, which spanned two days, culminated in a special match in honor of the iconic goalkeeper, two months after his death at the age of 80.
A Remembered Icon
The franchise honored Parent, a key figure in obtaining the 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cups, by displaying his goalie mask, a symbol that evokes the cover of Time magazine in which Parent was featured in the 1970s.
“Forever our number 1,” expressed Lou Nolan, the Flyers’ announcer since 1972.
Lou Nolan
The event was attended by the legend Bobby Clarke, who highlighted Parent’s impact on the team. The fans, wearing jerseys with Parent’s number 1, celebrated every moment of his golden years, especially the highlights of the Stanley Cups.Legend: The Flyers honored the life of Hall of Fame goalie Bernie Parent in part by taking his white goalie mask and leaving it on top of one of the goal nets. Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images
The Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins in six games to win the Stanley Cup in 1974 and Buffalo in 1975. Parent achieved shutouts in the decisive games of each season.
Parent, with his exceptional skill under the three posts, became a symbol for the fans, with phrases like “Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent” that resonated in Philadelphia.
In addition to his legacy on the ice, Parent was an ambassador for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education program, created in 2005 for underprivileged youth in Philadelphia.
The program announced that it will honor Parent’s legacy with the Bernie Parent Goaltender Development Program, aimed at preparing young people for success on and off the ice. Flyers Charities presented a donation of $50,000, which was matched by Snider’s children.
Parent, team captain Bobby Clarke and Dave “The Hammer” Schultz became Flyers stars in an era when the team was known for its rough style of play that earned it the nickname Bullies. They embraced their nickname as the toughest team in the NHL and made their way into the hearts of Flyers fans. More than 2 million fans crowded the streets of Philadelphia for each of their championship parades.
Most of the living members of the Cup teams attended Saturday’s game and Clarke held back tears at the memorial as he listed other Flyers from the Stanley Cup teams who have since died. Barry Ashbee. Ed Van Impe. Bill Flett. Ross Lonsberry. Rick MacLeish
“And now, may God bless Bernie, because he will join them,” Clarke said. “And the rest of us, until we go to join them, we will speak together forever.”
