The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, and they’ve tragically lost one of their true franchise legends this weekend.
On Friday morning, the Flyers announced the passing of legendary goalkeeper Bernie Parent at the age of 80. After beginning his career with the Boston Bruins, Parent became the original Flyer in 1967 as the team’s very first expansion pick.
Parent proved to be a smart choice, and he was instrumental in the team’s early success on the game’s biggest stage in the 1970s. As the rest of the “Broad Street Bullies” struck fear into their opponents down the ice, Parent made his presence felt in goal.
Who is Bernie Parent?
Bernie Parent was one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Flyers in 1974 and 1975. He also won the Vezina and Conn Smythe Trophy in both of those seasons as the league’s best goalkeeper and best playoff performer.
Parent was the first Flyer to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, enshrined in 1984. Four years later, he became one of the first Flyers to have his jersey retired. Parent remains one of only six players in franchise history to receive that honor, and was a member of the team’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1988.
Parent was once immortalized on the cover of Time magazine in 1975, with a photo that focused on his eyes through a classic goalie mask. The Flyers made history as the first expansion team in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup, and they did so in back-to-back seasons.
“The Philadelphia Flyers and Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Bernie Parent, a true legend, one of the most famous and beloved players, and most popular figures in the history of the organization and city of Philadelphia,” the team said on Sunday.
Parent, a Canadian native of Montreal, once held the record for wins in a season before being surpassed by another legendary goaltender in Martin Brodeur. He played before the invention of overtime and shootouts, and also played before the league expanded to an 82-game season.
Bernie Parent’s Hockey Legacy
When counting the most wins in regulation without the addition of overtime or shootouts, Parent still holds the single-season wins record with an astonishing 45 victories. Parent won over 230 games for the Flyers, and likely would have won 300 in his career if not for a serious eye injury that forced him to retire at 34.
Parent was struck in the eye with an errant stick and suffered the injury, forcing him to end his career at the age of 34. After a great career, Parent remained a presence in the Philadelphia area by working with the Flyers’ foundation for youth hockey and education.
Rest in peace to Bernie Parent, and our thoughts are with his friends, family, fans, supporters and loved ones during this difficult time.
