Professional hockey legend Bernie Parent passes away at 80

By 
 September 22, 2025

Professional hockey player Bernie Parent had a storied career with the Philadelphia Flyers, helping to win the team's only two Stanley Cup titles.

However, fans of the Hockey Hall of Fame member were saddened this past weekend to learn that the 80-year-old is gone. 

Praise from former teammate

According to Fox News, Parent's death was confirmed by friend and former teammate Joe Watson, who said, "Bernie was in such pain, he could hardly walk."

"We had a great time, but I felt bad because he was in such terrible pain. To see this happen, it’s very sad. He was so good with people," Watson said. "A lot of athletes don’t get it or don’t give fans the time of day," Watson stressed.

"Bernie gave everyone the time of day. He’d always have his rings on. He’d show them to the people and people loved to see them," the former teammate added.

Meanwhile, Fox News noted how the Philadelphia Flyers issued a statement regarding Parent's death, explaining that Parent's legacy "reached far beyond the ice and his accolades."

Philadelphia Flyers: Parent "was a warm, gregarious bear of a man"

"Bernie had a deep love for Philadelphia and fans of the Flyers. He was passionate about his role as an ambassador for Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education and inspired an entire generation of hockey fans," the team observed.

"He dedicated his time, energy and enthusiasm to not only grow the game, but also to spread joy to anyone he encountered," it noted.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sounded a similar note, remarking, "At his unbeatable, unflappable best on the ice when the stakes were highest, Bernie was a warm, gregarious bear of a man off the ice who was venerated in Philadelphia and adored throughout the hockey world."

"The entire National Hockey League family mourns the passing of this beloved icon and sends its deepest condolences to his wife, Gini, his family, and his countless fans and friend," Bettman stated.

Former player says Parent's "legacy will forever live on"

News of Parent's passing was met with lament on social media, including from fellow professional hockey player Eric Lindros, who himself once played for Philadelphia.

"Bernie Parent wasn’t just a legend for the Flyers. he was the heart and soul of what it means to be part of the Flyers family," Lindros wrote.

"Rest easy, my friend. Your legacy will forever live on in Flyers history, and in the hearts of everyone who had the honor of calling you a friend," the former professional athlete declared.

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