Storyline: The city of Philadelphia feels a little bit empty now. Ed Snider, Flyers’ founder and owner, touched the lives of many people–in the city and beyond.
The world lost a true man this month. Flyers owner and chairman Ed Snider passed away at the age of 83. Ed was a true hockey guy and a perfect fit in the city of Philadelphia.
Courtesy: philly.com
Ed Snider had a vision in the 60s. That vision was hockey in Philadelphia. In 1967 he brought Philadelphia its first taste of NHL, an expansion team, the Flyers. Ever since then he has been the team’s owner and leader. He loved the sport and the city so he figured he’d help others in the area enjoy that passion.
Ed was determined to have his team be the meanest and the best around. In the late 60s and early 70s he brought in guys like Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Bernie Parent, Dave Schultz, and Bob Kelly to fill his desire. In 1976 and 1977 his “Bullies” brought the Stanley Cup to Philadelphia.
The Flyers were feared by teams not only in the NHL, but around the world. In an exhibition game against the Soviet Red Army team, the Soviets actually left the ice due to the Flyers being “too rough.” He loved every second of it and so did the fans.
Not only was Ed a hockey guy. He once owned the Philadelphia 76ers and was part-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles. For many years he was president of Comcast Spectacor.
Ed Snider was also a very charitable man. He loved helping people. He created an organization called The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, which gave underprivileged kids in Philadelphia a chance to play hockey. This program is super successful; many kids from kindergarten to high school play for it, including myself. He would give free ice time, free gear, and free hockey. The children must maintain a C average to continue playing. He would have former and current NHL stars participate in the program–players like Jeremy Roenick and Willie O’Ree. It’s a great program, a great thing, that Mr. Snider did for the City of Philadelphia and its people.
Courtesy: corporate.comcast.com
Unfortunately, Mr. Snider passed away before the NHL playoffs and wasn’t able to see his Flyers play against the Washington Capitals. But the NHL paid notice. A moment of silence was held across the League.
Mr. Snider had such a great impact on this League. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He hoisted a Stanley Cup. He made people happy all over the country.
The city of Philadelphia feels a little bit empty now. He touched the lives of many people. He had a heart of gold. His legacy will live on.
May Ed Snider rest in peace.
