The Philadelphia Flyers are set to honor the legacy of beloved goaltender Bernie Parent with a celebration of life event following his recent passing. The team, along with fans and the wider community, will come together to pay tribute to a player who left an indelible mark on the franchise and its history.
On October 3, 2023, the Flyers attended Parent’s funeral at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This act underscored the deep respect the organization holds for Parent, who was not only a Hall of Fame player but also a cherished ambassador for the team.
Sean Couturier, a current Flyers player, reflected on his fond memories of Parent. “He was at pretty much every game, I feel,” Couturier shared. He appreciated the opportunity to converse with Parent in French, noting how the former goaltender brought a sense of warmth to the Flyers’ locker room. “He’d make you feel comfortable around here, just lighten up the atmosphere. Just a fun guy to be around and he’s definitely going to be missed.”
An integral part of the Flyers’ identity, Parent backstopped the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 1974 and 1975. He earned accolades including the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason MVP, solidifying his status as a franchise legend.
Head coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the importance of recognizing Parent’s contributions. “History’s big with me,” he said, noting that younger players may not fully understand Parent’s impact. Tocchet pointed out that the legacy of players like Parent is vital for the team’s culture. “Some guys that didn’t know much about Bernie have kind of asked questions about him. I think that helps the legacy of Bernie.”
Parent was deeply involved with the Flyers community, participating in events such as the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program and the Flyers Community Caravan just days before his passing. His presence was emblematic of what it means to be a Flyer, as Travis Konecny remarked, “He was a great example of being a Flyer. It was just important to show the support of when you’re a part of the Flyers’ organization that we’re always going to be there for you.”
Tocchet shared additional anecdotes about Parent’s accessibility, recalling that he was a familiar face in the local community. “A couple of my buddies lived in Avalon, they’d see Bernie on his boat or walking around. He was a part of the fabric of the shore down there.”
The Flyers’ upcoming celebration of life event will take place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, providing an opportunity for fans and players alike to honor Parent’s memory and reflect on his profound influence on the team and its supporters. As Couturier noted, “The Flyers meant a lot to Bernie; he was a legend around here, on and off the ice. I thought it was important as a team, as a group to go to the funeral and just pay our respect to the family. It was just the right thing to do.”
Through this celebration, the Flyers aim to keep Parent’s spirit alive, ensuring that both current players and fans continue to learn about the legacy he left behind.
