Remembering Bernie Parent, the Flyers’ Beloved Goalie Who Lived Life as a ‘Beautiful Thing’
When the name Bernie Parent is mentioned, it’s not just hockey fans in Philadelphia who smile—it’s anyone who ever crossed paths with him. The legendary goalie, one of the most iconic figures in Flyers and NHL history, passed away peacefully at his home in Avalon, New Jersey, at the age of 80. His departure leaves a hole in the hockey world, especially coming just weeks after the losses of fellow Hall of Fame goalies Ken Dryden and Ed Giacomin.
Bernie was known for his infectious energy and the way he lived life with an overflowing glass, never half-full. Every call with him began with, “Hey buddy, how ya doin’?!” followed by stories, laughter, and his favorite phrase: “It’s a beautiful thing.” That outlook wasn’t just talk—it shaped how he treated teammates, fans, friends, and even strangers. To Bernie, every day was a gift, and he never missed a chance to make someone else feel special.
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On the ice, Bernie carved out a legacy that will never fade. He began with the Boston Bruins, but it was Philadelphia that became his true home. Drafted by the Flyers in 1967, he quickly became a fan favorite. After a stint in Toronto, where he absorbed wisdom from the great Jacques Plante, he returned to Philadelphia in 1973. What followed was magic. Parent backstopped the Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, earning both the Vezina Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy each year. To this day, he remains the only goalie to have pulled off that double twice. Those championships are still the only two in Flyers history.
But while numbers and trophies tell part of the story, they don’t capture Bernie’s warmth. He connected with people in ways statistics can’t measure. Teammates like Bobby Clarke said the Flyers could not have won without him. Younger legends, from Martin Brodeur to Eric Lindros, praised him not just as a pioneer of goaltending but as the heart and soul of the Flyers family. And fans—whether in arenas, at charity events, or simply bumping into him in Philadelphia—always walked away with a smile.
Parent’s life wasn’t only about hockey. He loved fishing, hunting, sharing laughs about “The Three Stooges,” and above all, being with his wife, Gini. Even in later years, when pain slowed him down, he never let it dim his spirit. He took joy in giving back, especially through youth hockey programs, making sure the next generation learned both the game and the importance of gratitude.
As tributes pour in, what stands out is not just that Bernie was a champion, but that he made everyone around him feel like one too. His final words to many echoed the way he lived: “Life’s a beautiful thing.” And for those who knew him or cheered him on, Bernie Parent made life just that—a beautiful thing.
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