The Philadelphia Flyers and the rest of the National Hockey League are mourning the loss of a great hockey mind as Ed Snider died at the age of 83 after his long battle with cancer. His family issued a statement on the passing of Snider.
“He fought his last years, months and days with courage and grace and recounted his love for many including his Flyers family and fans. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community, his friends and all those who were fortunate to have been touched by him in some way, large or small.”
Together with Comcast Spectacor, we mourn the loss of Chairman and Founder Ed Snider → https://t.co/V5X6QibEO4 pic.twitter.com/vr5bVd7PEa
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 11, 2016
Days before the beloved owner passed away, the Flyers finished off a late season surge and clinched a berth in the post season. Many of the players commented on how Snider was the inspiration for their play. No player was more vocal about it than Wayne Simmonds.
“It’s unfortunate Mr. Snider couldn’t be here with us today,” Simmonds said. “Obviously this organization owes everything to Mr. Snider. If it wasn’t for Mr. Snider, not one person in this dressing room would be here, so we played our hearts out. We owe him a lot, and we still owe him.”
First off I want to send my condolences to the Snider family. It’s been a pleasure being able to put on the flyers uniform and play for
— Wayne Simmonds (@Simmonds17) April 11, 2016
A man as great as mr Snider. You will always be remembered may you RIP
— Wayne Simmonds (@Simmonds17) April 11, 2016
As a young man, Snider had never been to a hockey game in person. One day a friend brought him to a game at Madison Square Garden and his passion for the game began. From there he worked to bring hockey to Philadelphia. And in 1967, the Philadelphia Flyers were established and the Spectrum was built.
I feel privileged to have known such a great leader. Rest in peace Mr. Snider, you will be missed.https://t.co/i4lk3BShW8
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) April 11, 2016
While the Flyers were a big passion of his, the thing he was most proud to have his name on was the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, which provides young children from urban neighborhoods the chance to learn and play the game of hockey. The young players involved are given ice time, uniforms, instruction, skates and sticks for free.
It’s been a honor and privilege to be part of the amazing organization you built. We will never forget the impact you made Mr. Snider! RIP
— Jakub Voracek (@jachobe) April 11, 2016
While the Flyers were on a trip to California, Snider invited to the team to his mansion in Montecito. After a practice at a rink that Snider’s name was connected to, the team stopped by to visit. The Flyers flag in the driveway was a clear sign for his passion for hockey, as mentioned by both captain Claude Giroux and coach Dave Hakstol.
“The passion he has for hockey and Philadelphia hockey is really great to see,” Giroux said. “He’s been a really good leader for us and to spend time with him today was really good.”
“To walk up to the house and see the big Flyers flag at his front door, that speaks to the passion he has,” Hakstol said.
The Flyers have announced that they will be wearing special patches on their jerseys during the playoffs in his honor.
“When you think of the Philadelphia Flyers… those characteristics, that’s Ed Snider.”
-GM Ron Hextall— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 11, 2016
Main Photo:
