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Bernie Parent, Hall of Fame Goalie, Dies at 80

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bernie Parent, the Hall of Fame goalie for the Philadelphia Flyers, died at his home in Avalon, N.J., leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. Parent, who spent 10 seasons with the Flyers, led the team to Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975, and was known for his exceptional work inside the net, as well as his signature white fiberglass mask. He was beloved in Philadelphia for his upbeat personality, broad smile, and thick mustache, and was often referred to as the "Lord" of the net.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bernie Parent played for the Philadelphia Flyers for 10 seasons, including four in his first stint and six in his second, which began in 1973-74.
  • Parent won 47 games in the 1973-74 season, a single-season NHL record that stood for 33 years, and led the league with a 1.89 goals-against average and 12 shutouts, earning him the Vezina Trophy.
  • In the 1974 playoffs, Parent brought home the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to the most valuable player in the postseason, with a goals-against average of 2.02, and shut out the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.
  • Parent was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1970 but returned to the Flyers in 1973, where he remained a top goalie until a 1979 injury forced his retirement.
  • After leaving the NHL, Parent struggled with depression and addiction, but eventually found sobriety and went on to become a team ambassador for the Flyers, a motivational speaker, and a helper for recovering alcoholics.
  • Parent was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984 and was ranked 63rd on the Hockey News list of the 100 greatest NHL players in 1988.
  • Surgery restored the peripheral vision in Parent's right eye 25 years after his retirement, allowing him to regain some of his vision.

Statistics:

  • 47 games won in the 1973-74 season, a single-season NHL record for 33 years
  • 1.89 goals-against average in the 1973-74 season, leading the league
  • 12 shutouts in the 1973-74 season
  • 2.02 goals-against average in the 1974 playoffs
  • 10 wins in the 1974 playoffs, earning Parent the Conn Smythe Trophy
  • 44 games won in the 1974-75 season

Sources:

  • "The New York Times"
  • "Sports Illustrated"
  • "The Philadelphia Daily News"
  • "Hockey Hall of Fame"
  • "Hockey News"

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