Out of all the things that come to mind when you think of Bernie Parent’s career as a Flyer, the fact that it almost ended before it really got started, isn’t something that normally comes to mind. He was an original Flyer, taken in the 1967 expansion draft from the Boston Bruins, and played in the first game in Flyer history on October 11, 1967, a 5-1 loss to the Oakland Seals.
But partway through his fourth season as a Flyer in 1971, and after all-star seasons in 1968-69 and 1969-70, a 25-year old Parent was shipped off to Toronto alongside a 1971 second round pick, in exchange for goaltender Bruce Gamble, forward Mike Walton, and a 1971 first rounder. The goaltender that would end up becoming one of the most influential players in the franchise’s history, was sent away. Thankfully, Parent would only stay in Toronto for 65 games, before making the jump to the WHA after the allure of Philly became too strong to ignore, and signed a lucrative deal to play for the short-lived Philadelphia Blazers in 1972-73.
After he left to return to the NHL, there was only one place that he wanted to be, and the rest is history. Two Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe trophies, two vezinas, five all-star games, and a Hockey Hall of Fame induction. Bernie Parent was the greatest goaltender that Philadelphia ever saw, and the backstop of the Broad Street Bullies was a calming force on the ice when everything else was in constant chaos.
During his two Stanley Cup winning campaigns, Parent posted playoff goals against averages of 2.02 and 1.89, respectively, and was by far, the best goaltender on Earth. To this day, the Flyers have struggled to find a goaltender that comes anywhere near the peak of Bernie Parent, and his shadow still looms large over any prospect that does attempt to break through and claim the Flyers starting job. He was, and is, the standard.
After his career ended, Bernie would return to coach the Flyers on three seperate occasions, twice as an Assistant in 1982 and 1986, and once as the team’s Goalie Coach in 1991. But despite not getting as involved with the team in an official capacity to the same extent as some of his other Bullies teammates did, his personality and generosity made an indelible mark on the franchise that will never be forgotten. Whether being the life of the party at various alumni games and events, or selflessly donating his time to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education foundation, he was, by all accounts, the perfect representation of what “Being a Flyer” should mean.
Bernie could be seen all over Philly and the surrounding area, constantly engaging with a community that loved him deeply. He was a staple at charitable events, and always had a charming wit and magnetic personality that endeared him to those around him, wherever he was. His final act came at the 2011 Winter Classic alumni game, hosted at Citizens Bank Park in front of an entirely new generation of fans, who watched on as Bernie stopped all six shots he faced while wearing the Orange and Black for one final time.
A man born in Montreal, Quebec, who had no real obligation to stick around and do all that he did after injuries ended his career prematurely, created a legacy for himself in Philadelphia that stretches far beyond his career as a hall of fame goalie, and that is a testament all in itself.
Farewell to an original Flyer and a true Philly legend.
