The Philadelphia Flyers have announced plans to honor the late Bernie Parent, who died on September 21 at the age of 80. The team will pay tribute to Parent’s legacy during the upcoming NHL season, beginning with special commemorations at their home opener and continuing with public events in November.
At the Flyers’ home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 13 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, players will wear a jersey patch on the shoulder featuring Parent’s retired number 1. The number will also be displayed on the ice behind the net, the area where Parent built his reputation as a dominant goaltender. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for a special presentation and dedication to Parent before the 7 p.m. puck drop.
A public “Celebration of Life” event, organized in partnership with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education, is scheduled for November 21 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The start time for this event will be announced later. The following evening, November 22, the Flyers will dedicate their game against the New Jersey Devils to Parent. The night will include a ceremonial puck drop and a video presentation, with appearances and tributes from former teammates, friends, family, and other hockey figures who knew Parent. Flyers players, coaches, and alumni are also expected to participate in a special tribute during the game.
Parent was a foundational member of the Flyers organization and the Flyers Alumni Association. He was known for his involvement in community events, charitable initiatives, and alumni gatherings. His work extended to school visits, youth hockey clinics, and fundraisers, helping to connect the team with fans and the broader Philadelphia community.
Parent also served as an ambassador for Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education for two decades, working to promote hockey and support student-athletes.
Bernie Parent’s playing career began with the Flyers during their inaugural season in 1967-68 after he was selected in the expansion draft. After a stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he returned to Philadelphia in 1973 and helped lead the team to its first two Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975. He was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the NHL’s playoff MVP both years and earned the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender in 1974 and 1975. Parent was also named to five NHL All-Star Games and was selected as one of the NHL’s Top 100 Players of all time in 2017.
He was one of six Flyers to have his number retired and became the first team member inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984. Parent finished his career with the Flyers holding a record of 231 wins, 141 losses, and 102 ties, along with 50 shutouts and a 2.42 goals against average in regular season play.
“Bernie’s iconic number will also be prominently displayed on the ice surface where he built a dominant career – behind the net,” according to the Flyers’ announcement.
Fans can reserve tickets for the “Celebration of Life” and the November 22 game against the New Jersey Devils through the Flyers’ website.
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