Bernie Parent: A Hockey Legend Passes Away
Bernie Parent, an iconic figure in ice hockey and a Hall of Fame goalie, passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. The exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been provided, but Joe Watson, a prominent defenseman from the Flyers’ championship era, stated that Parent died peacefully in his sleep.
Career Highlights
Throughout his illustrious career, Parent was renowned for his fierce competitive spirit and remarkable skills, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders in history. He played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia Flyers’ dynastic run during the 1970s, leading the team to its only two Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. With his formidable presence highlighted by a classic hockey mask, Parent even graced the cover of Time magazine in 1975 when the Flyers captured national attention as a dominant force in professional hockey.
Early Career and Achievements
Parent’s career began in 1965 with the Boston Bruins, but after being left unprotected in the 1967 expansion draft, he was selected by the Flyers, where he would make his mark. A brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs followed, but Parent soon returned to Philadelphia before the start of the 1973-74 season. His exceptional performance that year saw him achieve a league-high 47 victories, a feat he repeated the following season with 44 wins.
Legacy and Impact
In total, Parent accumulated 271 wins throughout a 13-year professional career, with 231 of these victories occurring during his time with the Flyers. Unfortunately, his career came to an abrupt end in 1979 when he suffered an accidental injury that temporarily blinded him in his right eye, preventing him from taking the ice again. Bernie Parent’s contributions to hockey and his indelible impact on the Flyers will not be forgotten.
