More than a thousand devoted Flyers fans gathered at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Friday to honor the legendary goaltender Bernie Parent at his Celebration of Life ceremony. Parent, renowned for his pivotal role in securing both of the Flyers’ Stanley Cup victories, left an indelible mark on the city and its hockey community.
Fans were eager to pay their respects, with Diane Gobeil presenting a vintage copy of The Inquirer from 1974, celebrating the Flyers’ first Stanley Cup win. Gobeil, who was just 14 at the time, recalled the palpable excitement that enveloped Delaware County, stating, “I never saw the city more excited than that time. He deserved [for] us to come back and say goodbye to him.”
The memorial display drew attendees dressed in Parent jerseys, echoing the mourning shared by many. Jon Levinson, who traveled from North Jersey, reflected on what Bernie Parent meant to him personally. Having met Parent at a signing event last December, he expressed that it was the happiest moment of his life. Levinson’s deep connection to the Flyers and Parent was evident as he mentioned, “You listen to all the speakers today, and for all the wonderful things they said, I don’t know if they even truly painted an accurate portrait of what Bernie meant to the city of Philadelphia.”
The celebration served not only as a tribute to Parent but also highlighted his significant contributions to the Snider Youth Hockey program, founded by former Flyers owner Ed Snider. Players from this program assisted in handing out tribute programs, showcasing the ongoing legacy of community involvement Parent cultivated. During the event, Kenyatta Johnson donated $5,000 to the Ed Snider Foundation, an amount that was matched by Scott Tharp, president and CEO of Snider Youth Hockey and Education.
Beyond the rink, Parent inspired individuals like Marion Powell, who credited him with motivating her to run her first marathon after a chance meeting years ago. Using Parent’s book, “Journey through Risk and Fear,” as a guide during difficult training sessions, she shared an emotional moment when she learned of his passing just before completing her most recent marathon. “When you have an inspiration, it keeps you going, no matter how hard it is,” said Powell, underscoring the profound impact Parent had on many lives.
The event not only celebrated Parent’s athletic achievements but also illustrated how he fostered community spirit and inspired countless individuals throughout his life. The legacy of Bernie Parent will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the Philadelphia hockey community and beyond.