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2w ago

Flyers Legend and Hall of Fame Goalie Bernie Parent Dies at 80

The two-time Conn Smythe winner defined the franchise’s 1970s peak, later serving as a visible ambassador in Philadelphia.

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Former Flyers goalie Bernie Parent waves to the fans at the 2012 NHL Winter Classic Alumni game in Philadelphia.

Overview

  • The Flyers announced Parent’s death on Sept. 21 with no cause released and said the family requested donations to Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education in lieu of flowers.
  • Former teammate Joe Watson said Parent died in his sleep and recalled seeing him two nights earlier in Delaware in severe pain from back issues.
  • Parent backstopped Philadelphia to Stanley Cup titles in 1974 and 1975, winning the Vezina and Conn Smythe in both seasons and recording shutouts in each Cup-clinching game.
  • His career ended after a stick entered the right eyehole of his mask in February 1979, leading to retirement at age 34, the Flyers retiring his No. 1 that year, and Hall of Fame induction in 1984.
  • A beloved community figure, Parent served for years as a team ambassador, earned a place among the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017, and drew tributes from across the league including Commissioner Gary Bettman.