Bernie Parent, the Hall of Fame goaltender who delivered Philadelphia its only two Stanley Cups, died Sunday at age 80.
Parent was the cornerstone of the Flyers’ championship teams in 1974 and 1975, shutting out Boston in the 1974 clincher and blanking Buffalo in the 1975 finale. His dominance in net made him the face of the “Broad Street Bullies” era and cemented his place as one of hockey’s premier goaltenders. Bumper stickers across the region once read, “Only the Lord Saves More Than Bernie Parent,” a reflection of his iconic status in the city.
Born in Montreal in 1945, Parent grew up speaking French before beginning his professional career as one of the Flyers’ original players in 1967. After a brief stint in Toronto and the World Hockey League, he returned to Philadelphia in 1973. Within a year, he was a Stanley Cup MVP, remembered for what many consider one of the greatest trades in local sports history.
Parent’s career ended abruptly in 1979 when an errant stick caused a career-ending eye injury. Retiring at just 34, the Flyers retired his No. 1 jersey the same year. Despite the setback, Parent remained closely tied to the team, later serving as a goaltending coach, community ambassador, and mentor to young players.
Off the ice, Parent overcame personal struggles, including alcoholism, and became a motivational speaker and advocate. He devoted decades to charity work, including with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education program, and was a familiar face at Flyers events and in the Philadelphia community.
His larger-than-life personality and connection to fans made him more than a hockey star. Stories of his time with the Flyers, from pausing the Cup parade for a neighborhood pit stop to proudly showing off his championship rings, added to his legend.
Parent is survived by his wife, Gini, his two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral details have not yet been announced.
For a city still waiting for another championship in hockey, Bernie Parent remains the goaltender who defined an era and delivered its greatest triumphs.
Source: Phila Inquirer