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Hockey Hall of Fame goalkeeper Bernie -Parent, a Philadelphia Flyers legend who backstopped the franchise for his only two Stanley Cup titles, has died of 80.
The flyers announced the death of parents on Sunday, although no details were released. Former teammate Joe Watson said the parent died in his sleep overnight.
“Bernie was in such pain he could hardly go,” Watson said, referring to parents’ back problems. “We had a good time, but I felt bad because he was in such terrible pain. To see this happen, it’s very sad.”
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Former Philadelphia flyer Bernie parent waves on fans as he runs 2018 Discover NHL Thanksgiving Showdown Float on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22, 2018 in New York City. (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
Watson said he had just seen the parent at an event Friday night in Delaware.
While Flyers 1974-75 contained stars across the ice, the parent was the stable strength of the net for these Stanley Cup-winning teams. He not only helped secure the titles, but also won Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies in both seasons.
The flyers became the first NHL expansion team to won the Stanley Cup.
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“The legend of the Bernie parent reached far beyond the ice and his recognition,” Flyers said in a statement. “Bernie had a deep love for Philadelphia and fans of flyers. He is passionate about his role as ambassador for Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education and inspired an entire generation of hockey fans.
“He dedicated his time, energy and enthusiasm to grow the game not only, but also to spread joy to anyone he encountered.”
Parents’ career began in Boston in 1965, but he was left unprotected in 1967 -the draft extension where flyers chose him.
Bernie parent poses for a photo during his day with the Stanley Cup in Bernie, Bobby and Cup statue on February 24, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Other Ringuette/NHLI via Getty)
His first stint in Philadelphia lasted three and a half season before being traded for Toronto Maple Leafs. He returned to Flyers in the 1973-74 season and his best hockey followed.
Philadelphia won 47 games in 1973-74, led the NHL and followed 44 wins next year, again the league’s best.
“On his invincible, undue best on the ice when the effort was highest, Bernie was a hot, Gregarious Bear of a man out of the ice that was honored in Philadelphia and loved throughout the hockey world,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “The entire National Hockey League family mourns the adoption of this beloved icon and sends its deepest compassion to his wife, Gini, his family and his countless fans and friends.”
The parent served as ambassador for Flyers for many years, leaving a lasting mark on the franchise and the city.
Bernie parent poses for a photo during his day with the Stanley Cup at Laura Sims Skatehouse on February 24, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Other Ringuette/NHLI via Getty)
“He was so good with people,” Watson said. “A lot of athletes don’t get it or don’t give fans the time of the day. Bernie gave every time of the day. He would always have his rings on. He would show them to the people and people who loved to see them.”
The parent was introduced in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984 and was named one of the NHL’s Top 100 players in 2017.
