The passing of Flyers owner Ed Snider has been met with an outpouring of emotion, sadness and respect for what many are calling not just a Philadelphia hockey icon -- but a hockey icon, period.
“Ed Snider was the soul and the spirit of the Flyers, who have reflected his competitiveness, his passion for hockey and his love for the fans from the moment he brought NHL hockey to Philadelphia in 1967,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a release. “On a personal note, I have valued Ed’s counsel, I have admired his philanthropy and truly have cherished his friendship. Ed was an unmistakable presence and an unforgettable personality.
“Like most people who had the pleasure of knowing Ed, I will miss him terribly.”
Clubs across the league -- including two of Philadelphia’s fiercest rivals -- tweeted out their condolences:
#NYR sends our condolences to the family and friends of Ed Snider and the entire @NHLFlyers organization.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 11, 2016
On behalf of Mario Lemieux and the entire Penguins organization, our condolences to the Flyers on the loss of their founder, Ed Snider.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 11, 2016
Great story here from the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Frank Fitzpatrick, about a lunch with Snider that ended with Snider demanding the author “have some goddamned shrimp!”
I don’t think any owner ever understood Philly fans better than Ed Snider. In his prime, he got in fights w/Rangers fans. Not Twitter fights
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 11, 2016
As you’d expect, a number of current and ex-Flyers shared their memories:
It was an honor playing for you Mr Snider. Your players all love you and you will be missed greatly around the WFC. #bestownerinsports
— Danny Briere (@DannyBriere48) April 11, 2016
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
Rest in peace Mr. Snider. The best owner in all of sports. Truly amazing person. Thank you for… https://t.co/n5Nezslqb4
— Michael Del Zotto (@MichaelDelZotto) April 11, 2016
So sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Snider. He was the @NHLFlyers and to have known him and played for him was a great honor. Godspeed!
— Chris Therien (@ctherien6) April 11, 2016
Snider had been battling bladder cancer for the last two years and, prior to the start of this season, his ailing health prevented him from being in the Flyers’ team picture for the first time in 47 years.
Fittingly, the club rallied down the stretch to make the postseason -- the 38th time Philly qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs during the Snider era.