The hockey world is in mourning following the death of Bernie Parent, the legendary goaltender who led the Philadelphia Flyers to their only two Stanley Cup championships. Parent, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and a beloved figure in Philadelphia, passed away at the age of 80. The Flyers announced his death, stating that Parent died peacefully in his sleep.
His former teammate and close friend, Joe Watson, told the Associated Press that Parent had been in significant pain from a bad back but was in good spirits just a few nights before his death.
The Unbeatable ‘Broad Street Bullie’
Bernie Parent’s name is synonymous with the “Broad Street Bullies” era of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1970s. He was the rock behind the team’s rough-and-tumble style of play, providing the calm, steady presence in net that allowed the Flyers to become the first NHL expansion team to win a championship. His iconic, steel-eyed stare behind his old-school mask became a symbol of the team’s relentless intensity.
He was the undisputed hero of the Flyers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. In both years, he not only won the Stanley Cup but also took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs and the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender. In a remarkable feat, he also secured shutouts in the deciding games of both championship series.
His dominance on the ice was immortalised by the popular Philadelphia slogan: “Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent.”
A Career Defined by Greatness and a Tragic End
Parent’s career, which spanned 13 NHL seasons with the Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs, was a testament to his skill and endurance. He retired in 1979 at the age of 34 after a career-ending injury when he was accidentally struck in the right eye with a stick, which caused permanent vision damage.
After his playing career, Parent remained a fixture in Philadelphia, serving as a team ambassador. His No. 1 jersey was retired by the Flyers, and in 1984, he became the first player in the team’s history to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
He remained a beloved figure, known for his warm and gregarious personality and his deep connection to the fans who adored him.
The NHL, along with countless former players and fans, has been paying tribute to Parent, remembering him as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time and a true legend of the game. He leaves behind his wife, Gini, and a legacy that will forever be a part of Philadelphia sports history.
