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The goalkeeper of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Bernie Parent, a legend of the Flyadelfia Flyers that turned his back on the franchise to his only two titles of the Stanley Cup, has died at 80.
The Flyers announced the death of the parents on Sunday, although no details were published. Former teammate Joe Watson said the father died while sleeping during the night.
“Bernie had so much pain, he could barely walk,” Watson said, referring to parents’ back problems. “We had a great time, but I felt bad because I had such terrible pain. To see this happens, it is very sad.”
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Philadelphia Flyer Bernie’s former father greets fans while traveling in 2018 Discover NHl Thankgiving Showdown Flaat at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on November 22, 2018 in New York City. (Mike Stobe/Nhli through Getty Images)
Watson said he had just seen parents at an event on Friday night in Delaware.
While the 1974-75 Flyers presented stars throughout the ice, the parents were the constant strength in the network for those winning teams of the Stanley Cup. Not only helped ensure the titles, but also won the Conn Smythe trophies and time in both seasons.
The Flyers became the first NHL expansion team to win the Stanley Cup.
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“The legend of Bernie’s father reached far beyond ice and her praise,” the flyers said in a statement. “Bernie had a deep love for Philadelphia and Flyers’ fans. He was passionate about her role as an ambassador to Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education and inspired a whole generation of hockey fans.
“He dedicated his time, energy and enthusiasm not only to grow the game, but also to spread the joy to anyone who found.”
The parents’ career began in Boston in 1965, but was unprotected in the 1967 expansion draft, where the Flyers selected it.
Bernie’s father poses for a photo during his day with the Stanley Cup in the statue of Bernie, Bobby and the Cup on February 24, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Andre Ringuette/Nhli through Getty)
His first period in Philadelphia lasted three and a half seasons before being changed to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He returned to the Flyers for the 1973-74 season, and his best hockey continued.
Philadelphia won 47 games in 1973-74, leading the NHL, and continued with 44 wins the following year, again the best of the League.
“In his best and best best in the ice when the bets were higher, Bernie was a warm and gregarious bear of a man out of the ice that was venerated in Philadelphia and worshiped worldwide of hockey,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “The whole family of the National Hockey League cries the death of this beloved icon and sends his deepest condolences to his wife, Gini, his family and his innumerable fans and friends.”
The father served as Ambassador of the Flyers for many years, leaving a lasting mark in the franchise and the city.
Bernie’s father poses for a photo during his day with the Stanley Cup in Laura Sims Skatehouse on February 24, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Andre Ringuette/Nhli through Getty)
“It was very good with people,” Watson said. “Many athletes do not understand or do not give fans the time of day. Bernie gave them all the time of day. He always had their rings put. He would show people already people loved to see them.”
Parent was included in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984 and was appointed one of the 100 best NHL players in 2017.
