What better is Bernie Parent known for than being one of the best goaltenders the Philadelphia Flyers have ever had? That makes his Philadelphia origin story, as told via the Players’ Tribune, all the more awesome:
In 1967, I was coming off my second season with the Bruins. There were only six teams then. It was the off-season, and I was up in Montreal hitting some golf balls when my friend came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you got drafted!’ and I said, ‘Really? By who?’ and he said, ‘Philadelphia.’
I said, ‘Where’s that?’
Of course, Parent and the Flyers had a very happy ending: going from not being a known commodity to celebrating with the entire city upon bringing home Philadelphia’s first ever Stanley Cup.
Parent wasn’t the only guy hanging around Wells Fargo Center that the Tribune talked to, though. As a phenomenal rookie, Shayne Gostisbehere was reached out for his story, too, and you know he loves being in Philly.
But it takes more than just players and alumni to run a league. The entire article goes through the experiences of people of all walks of life: from a season ticket holder to an elevator operator; from the kids who get to go on in intermission to the guys responsible for ensuring the Sixers aren’t playing on ice; from event staff to fan club members.
There’s one thing they all have in common: they love the Flyers.
The entire piece is here, and it’s a really great read – especially when you can see some of your own fandom shine through these guys’.
