Flyers legend goaltender Bernie Parent dies at 80

Sept. 22 (UPI) — Philadelphia Flyers legend and NHL Hall-of-Famer Bernie Parent has died, according to the team. He was 80 years old.

The Flyers announced his death Sunday, but no additional information about when or in what manner it occurred was given.

The team, along with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education charity, said they were “heartbroken” to learn of Parent’s death.

They called the two-time Stanley Cup goaltender “a true legend” and “one of the most famous and beloved players, and most popular figures in the history of the organization and city of Philadelphia.”

“Anyone who had the pleasure of being around Bernie always walked away with a smile,” the two organizations said in a statement. “He will be dearly missed. We offer our condolences to his beloved wife, Gini, and the entire Parent family.”

The Montreal, Canada, native started his professional career with the Boston Bruins during the 1965-66 season, but his heyday came as a Flyer starting in 1967.

While with Broad Street Bullies, Parent backstopped the Flyers to two Stanley Cups, in 1974 and 1975, while winning the Vezina for best goalie and the Conn Smythe for the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs in both those years.

Only five other players have won it twice, including the game’s greatest players, such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. However, he is the only goalie to have done it.

The Stanley Cup wins are also the only two ever won by the Flyers and the first to ever be won by an expansion team.

During his 14-year career, he played 608 games, winning 271 of them at a time when ties still existed, which places him 55th on the all-time list of goaltender wins.

“But for all the statistics and accolades, what truly defined Bernie was his smile, his warmth and his willingness to share a moment with every person he met,” The NHL Alumni said in a statement. “He had time for everyone — teammates, fans, friends and strangers alike — and he touched lives in ways that numbers cannot measure.”

They added that Parent’s life, though, was more than just hockey.

“He was a fisherman and a hunter but just a really, really good person.”

Prior to the New York Islanders’ preseason game on Long Island against the Flyers, a moment of silence was held.

Before tonight’s game, the #Isles held a moment of silence to pay our respects and mourn the recent loss of Hockey Hall of Famer and original member of the Philadelphia Flyers, Bernie Parent. pic.twitter.com/nc5a8iAP2z— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 22, 2025

Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from throughout the hockey and sports world.

Bobby Clarke, who played for the Flyers his entire career, from 1969 through 1984 and who captained the team to the two Stanley Cup championships, called Parent “a terrific human being.”

“He did what all great hockey players do — he played for the hockey team. The two years that we won the Stanley Cup, he was the only member of that team that we could not have been without if we were going to win,” Clarke said in a statement.

NHL Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur posted a picture of himself with Parent on X, calling the Flyers legend “a true pioneer who inspired goalies like me and so many others.

“His talent, confidence and personality changed the game forever,” he said.

Flyers legend Eric Lindros posted a picture of himself kissing Parent on the cheek.

“Bernie Parent wasn’t just a legend for the Flyers, he was the heart and soul of what it means to be part of the Flyers family,” he said.

“Rest easy, my friend. Your legacy will forever live on in Flyers history and in the hearts of everyone who had the honor of calling you a friend.”

Flyers legend goaltender Bernie Parent dies at 80

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