Former Penguins Defenseman and 2-Time Stanley Cup Champion Sadly Passes Away
Photo credit: Edit from NHL.com
We are saddened to report the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ed Van Impe at the age of 84.
Long-time Philadelphia Flyers captain Ed Van Impe passed away at age 84, the Flyers announced Thursday.
"The Flyers mourn the loss of a leader and original Philadelphia Flyer in Ed Van Impe," the team said in a post on social media. "We offer our deepest condolences to his teammates, who had the privilege to play beside him, and his family and friends who were close to him during this difficult time."
Van Impe began his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1966 but came aboard with the Flyers in 1967 as part of the league expansion draft.
Taken third overall by Philadelphia, behind goaltenders Bernie Parent and Doug Favell, Van Impe established himself right away as a gritty, dependable defenseman.
Better associated with his tenaciousness rather than scoring prowess, the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native was a cornerstone on the Flyers' blue line. He was a team captain for five years and lost the distinction to a young Bobby Clarke.
Van Impe won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Philly
Van Impe was a captain of the Flyers' 1974 and 1975 back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, the first in their NHL expansion franchise history. His physical play best embodied the "Broad Street Bullies" era.
One of his finest moments came in 1976 in a now-legendary contest versus the Soviet Union's Central Red Army. Barely within the penalty area, Van Impe dished a bone-jarring check to Soviet superstar Valeri Kharlamov.
The check sent the Soviet squad off the ice for a temporary exit in protest before retreating at risk of losing their appearance fee. The Flyers defeated the Soviets 4-1.
Van Impe was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins soon after and retired following the 1976-77 season.
A genuine original Flyer, Van Impe is best known for his record of leadership, ruggedness, and championship pride. May he rest in peace.
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