Classic Photos of Bernie Parent

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 3, 2015

Classic Photos of Bernie Parent

Bernie Parent began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins, posting an unimpressive 15-32-5 record through two seasons before being claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers in the Expansion Draft of 1967.

Spliting time with Doug Favell, Bernie Parent recorded a 2.48 GAA with four shutouts and the Flyers finished first in the NHL's West Division in 1967-68.

The Flyers dealt Bernie Parent to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 1, 1971, where he joined his boyhood hero, Jacques Plante, who at 42 was having an all-star season. Under Plante's tutelage, Parent became a more consistent and technically proficient goalie.

Bernie Parent was the first NHL player to jump to the new World Hockey Association in 1972, initially signing with the Miami Screaming Eagles, which did not materialize as planned and became the Philadelphia Blazers. Parent left the team over a contract dispute during the 1973 WHA playoffs.

1973-Bernie-Parent-wife-Carol-Flyers-GM-Keith-Allen.jpg — Bill Ingraham/AP

Seeking a return to the NHL, but not back in Toronto, the Maple Leafs traded Bernie Parent's NHL rights back to the Flyers for Doug Favell and a first round pick in the 1973 amateur draft. Here, Parent gets a congratulatory kiss from his wife, Carol, as Philadelhia GM Keith Allen grins while holding up a Flyers jersey.

Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito and Flyers goalie Bernie Parent chat with comedienne Joan Rivers during the 27th annual NHL All-Star Game dinner on Jan. 28, 1974 in Chicago.

Bernie Parent's first two seasons back with the Flyers were the greatest of his career as he recorded a combined 30 regular and post-season shutout victories.

Playing 73 games in a 78 game schedule, Bernie Parent sparkled in leading the league with a 1.89 GAA and 12 shutouts in 1973-74.

The Flyers, led by Bernie Parent's play in goal, won the first of consecutive Stanley Cup Championships in 1974 against the Boston Bruins. Parent was named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Flyers captain Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent carry the the Stanley Cup after defeating the Bruins in Game 6 on May 19, 1974 in Philadelphia.

Bernie Parent pours champagne into the Stanley Cup following Game 6 on May 19, 1974 in Philadelphia. Parent posted an epic 30-save shutout against the Bruins as the Flyers won the game 1-0 and the series four games to two.

1975-Bernie-Parent-Clarence-Campbell-Bobby-Clarke-Bill-Clement.jpg — Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images

NHL President Clarence Campbell presents Bernie Parent, Bobby Clarke and Bill Clement with the Stanley Cup after their victory over the Sabres in Game 6 on May 27, 1975 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Bernie Parent was the whole ball of wax for the outgunned Flyers, allowing only 12 goals in the six game Stanley Cup Final against the Sabres, capped with a shutout. He became the first player to win consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies.

Bernie Parent poses with the Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies after having won them all for a second consecutive time in 1975.

"Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent" became a catch-phrase and bumper sticker in Philadelphia.

One shot managed to get by Bernie Parent, as he reacts to getting a swine flu immunization shot while Flyers coach Fred Shero watches smiling on Oct. 25, 1976 in Philadelphia.

Considered by many to be the last great stand-up goaltender, Bernie Parent suffered a career-ending eye injury after an errant stick entered the right eye hole of his mask in a game against the New York Rangers on Feb. 17, 1979.

Bernie Parent makes a save during the Alumni Game prior to the 2012 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park on Dec. 31, 2011 in Philadelphia.

Bernie Parent throws out the first pitch of the Philadelphia Phillies game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on May 18, 2012 in Philadelphia.

Bernie Parent and Bobby Clarke attend the unveiling of a new seven-foot tall bronze statue of them hoisting the Stanley Cup commemorating one of the most iconic moments in Philadelphia Flyers history at Xfinity Live on March 30, 2013 in Philadelphia.