Philadelphia Flyers Honor Bernie Parent
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Bernie Parent, the Philadelphia Flyers have adopted a tradition this season where each game’s standout player receives a replica of the iconic goalie mask worn by Parent, the legendary goaltender and Hall of Famer who passed away at the age of 80 two months prior. This white mask, emblazoned with the Flyers’ logo, is a striking representation of Parent’s historic impact on the team and the NHL, notably when he became the face of the fearless Broad Street Bullies in the 1970s.
Unveiling the Tribute
The Flyers unveiled the mask before their recent match against the New Jersey Devils, placing it ceremoniously atop one of the goal nets as a final homage to Parent.
“Forever our No. 1,”
proclaimed Lou Nolan, the team’s public address announcer, who has been associated with the franchise since 1972. The poignant moment was illuminated by the spotlight cast on Parent’s retired number 1 banner that hangs in the arena, alongside the Flyers’ only championship banners from their Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975.
Parent’s Legacy
Parent, hailing from Montreal, was pivotal as goalie during the Flyers’ rise to prominence under owner Ed Snider’s leadership. He secured the Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe, and Vezina trophies in consecutive seasons when the Flyers made history by being the first expansion team to clinch the NHL championship. As the Flyers prepared to face New Jersey, an impressive image of a beaming Parent showcasing his Stanley Cup rings graced the arena’s videoboard, looming over a cherished bronze statue of Snider, who passed away in 2016.
“We’ve got two Stanley Cups because of Bernie,”
noted Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke during a commemoration event that drew thousands of devoted fans.
Tribute Weekend
The tribute weekend was a celebration of Parent’s legacy, kicking off with a remembrance service on Friday and culminating in a dedicated game on Saturday, where fans proudly donned Parent’s No. 1 jerseys. Cheers erupted in the arena not only for the Flyers’ swift scoring against the Devils but especially during highlight reels that celebrated Parent’s championship years. The Flyers triumphed over the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres in the finals of those historic seasons, with Parent earning shutouts in both decisive games.
Reflecting on the Past
Reflecting on those championship flights that transported the team back home, Parent reminisced in 2010 about the joyous moments where the Stanley Cup sat in the aisle, a gleaming symbol of their hard-earned victory.
“We were able to just sit back, look at the Stanley Cup and just savor it. It was just a special time,”
he remarked.
A Lasting Impact
A mantra that resonated with fans, “Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent,” became a beloved slogan throughout his career and retirement, reflecting the respect he earned during his time with the organization. Beyond the ice, Parent was active as an ambassador for youth hockey initiatives, especially the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education program established in 2005 for underprivileged children in Philadelphia. In honor of Parent, the program introduced the Bernie Parent Goalie Development Program, designed to empower the next generation both on and off the rink. Flyers Charities contributed a noteworthy $50,000 to support this initiative, a sum matched by Snider’s family.
Emotional Gathering
During the emotional gathering at Saturday’s game, many living members of the championship teams were present, and Clarke fought back tears while remembering fallen teammates. Names like Barry Ashbee, Ed Van Impe, and Rick MacLeish were invoked, and Clarke poignantly concluded,
“And now, God bless Bernie, because he’s going to join them. And the rest of us, until we go join them, we will talk together forever.”
