Bernie Parent, a legendary Hall of Fame goalie who played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia Flyers' history, has died at the age of 80. The Flyers announced his passing on Sunday, stating that he died peacefully in his sleep. Joe Watson, a former defenseman for the Flyers, confirmed the news and shared that he had seen Parent just days before at a function in Delaware. Watson noted, "Bernie was in such pain, he could hardly walk," referring to Parent's ongoing back issues.

Parent is best known for his time with the Flyers during their championship years in the 1970s, when he helped the team secure its only two Stanley Cup titles in 1974 and 1975. He was the first goalie from an NHL expansion team to win the championship. His impressive performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goalie in consecutive seasons.

The Flyers celebrated Parent's contributions to the team, stating, "The legend of Bernie Parent reached far beyond the ice and his accolades. Bernie had a deep love for Philadelphia and fans of the Flyers." His iconic presence was marked by his steel-eyed stare through his vintage hockey mask, which even landed him on the cover of Time magazine in 1975.

Parent began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins in 1965 but was selected by the Flyers in the 1967 expansion draft. After a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he returned to Philadelphia before the 1973-74 season. That year, he led the league with 47 wins, followed by another strong season with 44 wins. Over his 13-year career, Parent recorded 271 wins, with 231 of those victories coming while playing for the Flyers.

In 1979, Parent suffered a severe eye injury during a game, which ultimately ended his playing career. He remains the Flyers' all-time leader in shutouts, with 50. His jersey number 1 was retired by the team, and he was the first Flyers player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984.

Parent was a beloved figure in Philadelphia, known for his connection with fans and his role as an ambassador for the Flyers. He often participated in community events and was involved with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education program. His final highlight came in 2011 when he played in an alumni game at Citizens Bank Park, where fans chanted his name as he made several saves.

Parent's legacy as a key figure in the Flyers' history and as a cherished member of the Philadelphia community will be remembered by fans and players alike.