There’s no denying Ed Snider touched a lot of lives, both directly and indirectly. The man who brought the NHL to Philadelphia was, himself, the Flyers – and his team made the playoffs for him in perfect fashion, defeating the Penguins at home.
It’s crushing to think that was only two days ago.
Naturally, the tributes have been coming in left and right for Snider. There has been, of course, the messages from other Philadelphia teams:
#Eagles are saddened by the loss of Ed Snider, a Philadelphia sports icon: https://t.co/vrNR73K1I2 pic.twitter.com/ubmNTEfv40
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 11, 2016
We send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Snider family during this difficult time ” https://t.co/ZVINFK1Bv3
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) April 11, 2016
Our thoughts & prayers are with his family and the entire Flyers organization.
— Phillies (@Phillies) April 11, 2016
To hated rivals, a little less hated in this moment of grieving:
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
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Philadelphia Flyers Chairman and Founder Mr. Ed Snider. Our thoughts are with the @NHLFlyers.
— Washington Capitals (@washcaps) April 11, 2016
To, of course, the very people who played for him. Both in the past…
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
Rest in peace Mr.Snider. There is so many memories we shared together. It was truly an honor to know you. You will be missed
— Kime4kids (@kime4kids) April 11, 2016
Rest in Peace Mr. Snider. Sad day for Philly and the hockey world. You will be missed!
— Scott Hartnell (@Hartsy43) April 11, 2016
RIP mr snider, was a privilege to play for you
— James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) April 11, 2016
… And, of course, today’s collection, who will be going into the playoffs in just three days’ time, wearing the jersey he made possible.
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
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
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
Rest in peace Mr. Snider. It’s been a honor to play for the best owner in sports. You will be missed.
— Brayden Schenn (@Bschenn_10) April 11, 2016
Rest in peace Mr. Snider. It was an honor to get to know you. The legacy you have created here in Philadelphia will live on forever. #RIP
— Sam Gagner (@89SGagner) April 11, 2016
Extending my thoughts & prayers to Mr. Sniders family and friends, you will be greatly missed by the city of Philadelphia. #ThanksMrSnider
— Shayne Gostisbehere (@s_ghost14) April 11, 2016
Didn’t take long to realize what an impact a great man can have for his City! It was an honour to have played for you! RIP Mr SNIDER
— Pierre-E Bellemare (@bellsy78) April 11, 2016
It was an honor to play for & have known such amazing person & owner. It’s truly a sad day but your legacy will be celebrated RIP Mr. Snider
— RJ Umberger (@Umby18) April 11, 2016
it was a privilege to play for the best owner in sports! your passion for hockey was contagious, RIP Mr. Snider #FlyGuys
— Brandon Manning (@mandog1990) April 11, 2016
Each message from the actual people who played for the Flyers seems to have genuine emotion in it.
The phrase “best owner in sports” pops up a couple of times, and there’s good reason for that. From longtime Flyers like Kimmo Timonen and even Claude Giroux to newcomers like Sam Gagner and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, there’s an emotional connection here – one that’s sure to carry over into the playoffs Snider’s team fought so hard to make.
RIP Ed Snider. And of course, as always, go Flyers.
