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Former Flyers d-man Bob Dailey passes away at age 63

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Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Bob Dailey passed away Wednesday after a battle with cancer at the age of 63, the organization has announced.

“Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Flyers lost another great player today with the passing of former defenseman Bob Dailey after a long battle with cancer,” said Flyers president Paul Holmgren in a statement.

“Bob was an integral part of the 1979-80 Flyers team that had a 35-game unbeaten streak and played in the Stanley Cup Final that year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Originally selected ninth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 1973, Dailey played 561 games in the NHL, registering 325 points.

After more than three seasons in Vancouver to start his NHL career, he joined the Flyers midway through the 1976-77 season, and played his next five-plus seasons in Philadelphia.

His career was shortened, however, due to injuries, including a shattered ankle in November of 1981, according to the Flyers.

“It’s not often as a coach that you have a defenseman who can change a game by himself. At his best, Bob Dailey could do that,” the late Pat Quinn once said of Dailey.

“If Dailey would have stayed healthier when he was a young player, I think he might have been reached the same type of level in his career as players like Larry Robinson or Denis Potvin. He had that kind of talent, although he wasn’t as consistent.”