Jun 21, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Bernie Parent arrives on the red carpet before the 2017 NHL Awards and Expansion Draft at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports Stephen R. Sylvanie
The Flyers announced Sunday morning that franchise icon and Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Parent has passed away. Parent was 80 years old.
In the statement, the Flyers referred to Parent as "a true legend, one of the most famous and beloved players, and most popular figures in the history of the organization and city of Philadelphia."
Bernard Marcel Parent was an original Flyer.
He delivered the club's two Stanley Cup Championships in 1974 and 1975, both of which culminated in a dominant and flawless performance in the clinching game of each series with a pair of shutout victories and earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs.
The legend of Bernie Parent reached far beyond the ice and his accolades. Bernie had a deep love for Philadelphia and fans of the Flyers. He was passionate about his role as an ambassador for Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education and inspired an entire generation of hockey fans. He dedicated his time, energy and enthusiasm to not only grow the game, but also to spread joy to anyone he encountered.
Parent spent 10 of his 13 NHL seasons with the Flyers, including as noted in the statement, playing for the first iteration of the team in 1967-68 after beginning his career with the Boston Bruins.
In 486 career regular-season games with the Flyers, Parent posted a 231-141 record. He led the NHL in goals against average in both 1973-74 and 1974-75.
The Flyers say that the Parent Family has asked for donations to Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education in lieu of flowers.
